Chapter 1 Prologue

Graduation Ball. And as the most wealthy family in Belmont City, Timothy Steel hosts the party at one of their family-owned hotels. Timothy Steel, her best friend since freshman year and the youngest heir of a multi-billion company, Steel Corporation. "You're enjoying Arah?" he asks with a lopsided grin. He is drunk and it's obvious by his slurring. "I am, Tim. Don't worry too much about me. Go and mingle with your friends" she tries to send him away for she doesn't know how many times. He has quite a lot in his circle but he chooses to stay by her side. He has been sticking to a nerd like her since the start of the party and only leaves once spotting someone who interests him. But he won't be gone long, before he will be missed he is already back. Timothy is the life of every party. Not to mention a girl magnet. With his family's wealth and his beyond words handsome face, he is a total package. A playboy, in fact. "Want another fill?" he ignores her and instead offers to pour champagne into her almost empty glass. "Yeah, sure. Thank you" she smiles. She is starting to get dizzy but she thinks she could still manage. All her school days were spent with books and lessons. She has been a bookworm. A true-blooded introvert who doesn't know how to have fun. For her, parties and other extracurricular activities were a waste of time. But today as they celebrate their graduation, she wanted to enjoy. She believes she owes this night to herself. Sipping her half-filled glass, her eyes wander around. And not far from them is another gorgeous man, mused about by every female species present in the party. Whilst his unconcern demeanor, every girl would constantly cast him lingering and sultry looks. Hoping to earn his interest even for a fleeting moment. His looks screams eminence, but like Timothy, there is a mischievous glint in his deportment. And it's like a magnet, pulling every faint heart towards him. From all the dreamy girls around, the girl beside him won the crown. The hottest girl on campus, Stacey. If she got all the academic awards at the graduation, Stacey got the crown as the darling of the entire university. She is stunning. Every guy's dream girl, even Timothy. She was actually his ex-girlfriend. "Stacey got hold of my brother" Tim mumbled as he squinted his lidded eyes toward the two figures Arah had also been watching. "They look great together. No offense to you, Tim" she playfully responded, earning a chuckle from him. "Luther has been a girl magnet despite being seriously cold. But he has his own set of naughtiness, don't be deceived by his forbidding disposition. And Stacey and I were over a long time ago" he explains despite garbling his words. Yes indeed, Luther Steel's arrival earlier created an uproar among every girl at the party. The firstborn of the famous Steel family has arrived in the country to attend his brother's graduation. If Timothy Steel's charm is undeniably classic, no one has prepared them for his brother's impeccable charisma. His mere gaze could be orgasmic. That even Arah could feel the sexual tension surrounding him, which she could not fathom how could it be possible. Their eyes met several times but unlike Tim, she has no hint of whatever in his thoughts. His eyes are devoid of any emotions despite the charming smile he wears for Stacey. If everyone is envious of Stacey, she was not. For no apparent reason, which somehow confused her, she fears Luther Steel. "I know Luther is insanely more handsome than me but we are equally charming, right, Arah? Answer me, we are equally charming, right?" Though playful, Tim desperately insisted, making her chuckle. "Yes, you are more charming, Timmy" she indulged him and was surprised when he leaned closer, almost stumbling face-first. If not for her quick reflex, their faces could have been plastered to each other. "Steady, Tim" she hurriedly got hold of him after he almost fell on her, too drunk to keep himself upright. "You're drunk. It's time to retire for the night" she finished the remaining liquid in her glass before standing up. But was surprised when her feet wobbled. The three glasses of champagne seem to have gotten into her system already. "You okay, Arah?" Tim, though drunk, got worried. "I'm fine. Come on. It's been a long night. I'm already tired" she holds Tim's arm and gently pulls him to stand. After making sure they both have steady feet, they walk almost hugging each other. Though everyone knew they were just friends, they still earned admiring and envious gazes from everywhere. The Steel brothers are like trophies to any girl. Stacey had gotten hold of the eldest heir while Amara Rechner had the youngest. But the latter has maintained their relationship as friends, though a lot has been wondering why. Her cold and indifferent personality did not deter Timothy Steel from getting close to her. He is a charmer while Amara Rechner was tagged as an old maid and bookworm despite her obvious beauty. She would choose to be alone with her books than entertain the admiration of several guys who would show interest. Only Timothy has been allowed since he had proven himself to respect the boundaries she had set around her. Tim together with his security dropped her by her door. Entering her room, she decided to take a quick shower. She is intoxicated by a few glasses of champagne she consumed but she cannot sleep with the sticky feeling. She smells smoke from the party. It was past midnight and she was sleepy and exhausted. And the moment her back touched the soft bed, she entered dreamland. Dreams invade her sleep. A dream is an inner desire of the heart. Things the conscious mind would not acknowledge comes out in the unconscious as dreams. And she's having a dream, a wonderful one in fact...almost real that she is immensely enjoying it. She is being kissed by the figure hovering above her. It's so vivid, she could almost feel the weight as she stayed still beneath. "Ahmmm...." a moan escaped her after two demanding hands started to explore her body. Gently squeezing her unbound mounts from outside her sleeping dress. Hot demanding lips trailed her jaw after leaving her already ravished lips. "Ahhhn..." her body arched to the need that has been awakened. Everything is almost real. So real... ...it is real! A guy is above her, ravishing her. Realizing it was indeed actually happening, her eyes snapped open. But she was welcomed by pitch-black darkness, she was used to sleeping in total darkness. The lips she felt from her dream continued to ravish her neck, sucking, licking her feverish skin. She could clearly feel how his hot tongue swirled and his wet lips sucked. Everything came as a pure surprise. She is in her twenties but she was never intimate with anyone. She was more stunned... frozen when her nightdress was pulled upward, exposing her nakedness. "Ahhhnnn" a lewd moan escaped her. She has no time to mull the situation when her hardened peak was enveloped by his warm lips. His tongue playing with her bud. Mind-blowing. Everything came like a jolt of lightning, leaving her breathless. Insane. What's happening is totally insane. What surprised her most is her body responding to the delicious attack. She is liking it...enjoying every part of it. No word was uttered. All she could hear from him was his heavy breath, fanning her skin. While his grunts fuel her lewd senses. His breath smells of alcohol. She never likes men smelling as such, including the smell of smoke. She is meticulous to a fault and unpleasant smells never appeal to her. Except for this time. In different circumstances, she would be grossed out. But right now she feels different. The smell of alcohol mixed with something else she cannot discern is seeming to be fueling the excitement inside her. She wasn't expecting the kind of smell she hated could ignite the need already aching between her legs. "Ahhhn" another moan breaks the silence as his lips traveled lower. Trailing her prominent ribs farther down to her flat stomach. "Haahh" her breath was trapped in her throat after she felt him bite the waist of her lacy underwear, pulling it down, exposing her private treasure. She should be stopping him but she did nothing. With her nakedness, his breath fans the spot no one had ever come close to, more so smell. Yes, he is sniffing her with his nose closely snuggled on the specific spot. But instead of being scandalized, she felt seduced. His clumsy and sloppy touches gave her a clear assumption. He is too drunk and muddled to realize what he was doing. She had all the reasons to make him stop but she didn't. He is drunk and doesn't know what he is doing. The worst, he might be mistaking her for someone else. But something inside her is fervently against ceasing him. She was still battling with herself when the realization struck her. She doesn't want him to stop. "Ahhhn... " tearing her attention from her deep thoughts, her body involuntarily arching to the delicious sensation of his lips. He is insanely placing feather kisses and playing with the tiny hairs down there. Gaping with a wide mouth, she anticipates what he will do next. And she was not kept from waiting long. She felt his tongue drill her, trailing her virgin slit, up and down. Scorching her sleek walls. Tasting her sweetness. Sucking her heavenly spot, leaving her writhing in pleasure. "Ahhhn... " she whimpers at the delicious treat he is bestowing her body. She could feel his tongue and the firm suckle around her sensitive bud. It's mind-blowing. It's sending shivers down her spine. Making every fiber of her flesh tremble with ecstasy. With her hands cupping his head, her long slender fingers ran through his soft hair. Tugging at the rhythm of the sensation he was setting. He is licking and sucking. It's insanely delicious, muddling her mind for all reasons. All she wanted to do is enjoy the euphoria. With that in mind, she pushed all worries and uncertainties to the deepest back of her mind. The guy is capable of making her forget her ground and the standard she had set. He is her escape. She allowed him to release her from her own bondage. And at this time, she wanted to let loose the reservation she had set for herself. She wanted to enjoy the moment with him. Even for just this time. Tomorrow, he surely won't remember what happened. And that is what made her brazen...braver. If she could call it taking advantage, then be it. She is taking advantage of his drunkenness. Since, once they become sober, whatever they will do tonight will be totally forgotten. He won't remember. Everything will just be a borrowed moment she will carefully keep. A memory she will relish. Just a memory and it's all that is. That is all she wants. She doesn’t want him to remember. Heaving a sigh, she wistfully smiles amidst the darkness. Since a child, she had fixed her mind and heart to her goal and no one could deter her. But tonight, she will give herself something to reminisce about. It would be her early gift for her impending success. To be a renowned doctor like her father. Emptying her mind from her own strict rules, she enjoys the man and everything he has been doing. He had awakened her carnal passion and she chose to respond to it. She chooses to surrender her body to him. She let him claim her innocence. She responds to pure abandon... being a wanton despite it being her first. Her first man and maybe her last. An impossible dream and will just remain a dream. The firstborn heir, her best friend's brother, Luther Steel. *😌

Chapter 2 Chapter 1 One Million Dollar Appointment

Rechner Aesthetic and Clinical Dermatology, situated at the center of the progressive City of Belmont has been the household talk among elite and famous personalities of the upper class. Established and managed by the very meticulous and brilliant Dermatologist Dr. Amara Rechner, a twenty-eight-year-old daughter of the well-known Neuro-Surgeon Dr. Rene Rechner. A fruitful seven years since she started the clinic right after passing the licensure examination. The company has been paving its way as the top aesthetic and dermatology clinic frequented by well-known personalities, including the infamous Steel family of Steel Corporation. And today is one of the days the clinic has been in an uproar from the impending arrival of a very important client, CEO Luther Steel. Watching the convoy of several black vehicles entering the vicinity of Rechner Aesthetic and Clinical Dermatology, waves of hushed and discreet giddiness erupted. It becomes louder after the door of one of the vehicles opens. Revealing a ruggedly handsome man in an expensive black Armani business suit. The CEO's striking physique could not be mistaken for anyone, even his brother Timothy Steel. Both are equally handsome but with different degrees of temperament. Females swoon at his presence while males are immediately intimidated. Despite wearing expensive sunglasses, everyone around could feel the piercing gaze of a pair of deep-seated eyes as he looked around. A small crowd had gathered upon getting wind of his visit to the clinic. "Welcome, CEO Steel" Dr. Rechner greeted as she walked towards him amid the dreamy faces of staff and clients. His piercing gaze turns to the beauty approaching him. Without a trace of what he was thinking, he faces the young doctor. Dr. Amara Rechner's elegance and calculated demeanor stand out despite the intimidation coming from the CEO's entourage. She is considered one of the people who is never intimidated by his presence. "Thank you, doctor" casually, he responded. His two hands were inside his pockets, unconcerned about the attention around him. "At my office" she announces before turning away, not waiting for his response. "Take a seat" she gestures to the seat before occupying her doctor's chair. They are inside the privacy of her office blocking all the curious eyes of his fans and even her staff. "Thank you" he mumbles while taking off his sunglasses and placing them in front of him. "You always have a dramatic entrance" she mumbles while she watches him get settled. "Not my fault, though. I'm just here for a casual visit" he shrugs, unbothered by the commotion he had created outside. "I don't see any problem with your skin to visit me today, CEO Steel. I'm praying it's not trouble you brought me" though she looks serious, she was being playful. A slight chuckle came from the man across from her. "A little pampering on my skin could be one. Only a top-notched dermatologist is allowed to touch my skin, you know that Dr. Rechner" he counters with the same playfulness. Arching a brow, she remains gauging. CEO Luther Steel's presence is not new to her. Aside from being family friends, he is the older brother of her best friend, Timothy Steel. "Spit it out..." she mutters as she slowly leans on her elegant doctor's chair, gauging him from across. She could be everything but dumb. And by the look of the man, she could sense trouble. "I'm bombarded with mom's rants. You know how she is" frustratedly, he mumbles while stretching his long limbs on the chair. Making himself comfortable. Unbothered by his expensive black Armani business suit being crumpled. "Yeah, Tim had mentioned them. So, what would you do about it? You're old enough to marry and with your looks not to mention the thick bank account any woman would jump at any hint of an offer" she smirked as she spoke. Her earnest gaze never left him. She was used to the two brothers' predicament and their frequent intrusion into her daily routine. But as Timothy Steel's best friend, she had accepted long ago that she had to extend her service as best friend to his brother, Luther Steel. She has five VIP appointments today but the CEO's visit is far more important than any VIP in the country. "That's the problem, Arah. Everyone wants that thick bank account" he snickers. "And...the least I wanted now is a complication. I'm not in the mood to deal with any woman's whim at the moment. I'm just thirty-three and I don't want to be tied with anything aside from the responsibilities I already have at Steel Corporation" he seriously announces. Thoughtful, she continues to watch the frustration on Luther's face. She has nothing to counter his words. They share the same predicament but she has no mother to bombard her with such trivialities. And her father is too busy with his new wife to mind her. Though at the age of twenty-eight, she doesn't need any guidance from anyone but herself. "Yeah, that's a problem. Does mom also want grandchildren?" she shrugged as she played with her chair, turning herself left and right. "Maybe... She wants me to get married so basically she wants grandchildren. Isn't that supposed to be? Husband and wife don't just look at each other the whole night, they have to do something" unconcernedly, he spoke with closed eyes. "They could just sleep...dummy" she snickers after scoffing at his last statement. "You are worse than me. At least I'm thinking of getting dirty with my supposed wife" he teasingly counters. "Eww... Men... You are all bunches of testosterone-controlled freaks" she disgustingly whispered while rolling her eyeballs. "You should be the one mom is bombarding with these kinds of issues. You are colder than ice. You should get a life and a man to ignite the fire inside you" getting interested in the discussion, Luther straightens from his seat and openly stares at Amara. With an arched brow and a snide smile, she met his gaze. "I don't need a man... I can ignite my own fire. No thanks" she mockingly counters before closing her eyes and continuing to play with the chair. "You can't be satisfied with just masturbating. A man can do better" he whispers but enough for Amara to hear. "Luther Steel!" she was aghast and at the same time embarrassed. With her wide glaring eyes, she confronted him. Unbothered by her anger, he sheepishly grins at her. "I don't mean it like that" she continues after he just grins at her. "I understood it like that" he counters playfully. "You're impossible. Leave. I have five VIP clients waiting, Mr. Steel. So if you don't mind, you can leave now" she dismissed, standing up to get her doctor's robe. "No VIP is more important than the CEO of Steel Corporation, Dr. Amara Rechner" he seriously mutters but Arah ignores him. "You are not paying me for the time I have wasted on you, Mr. CEO. I have to make a living" she snickers while wearing her robe. "I will pay you, now sit" he glares at her for real, which Arah recognized to be a command. No matter how close they were, he is still CEO Luther Steel, the ruthless beast behind the success of the Steel conglomerate. Sitting back in her chair, she becomes quiet. She continues to stare at him while he is doing something on his phone. "There, I transferred one million dollars for this appointment" he announces afterward. Hearing what he said, she incredulously glares at him. And indeed the phone beside her received a confirmation of the transfer. "Funny" she scoffs sarcastically. "It's my consultation fee" he shrugs, unaffected by her dark mood. "I won't return the money" she mutters with a smirk. "I don't expect you to" he retorted defiantly. Gritting her teeth, she took several deep breaths. She never won against the man. But then, what's another loss if she earned one million dollars this time? "Well, thanks then. So where were we with our discussion? Let's make use of your one-million-dollar appointment" she smiles as she always does to her patients. "About your frequent masturbation issue," he readily replies. "Luther!" she was aghast by his boldness. "What? That's what we were discussing" playing innocent, he reminded. "You're impossible" surrendering, she raises her hand. "I'm the most charming man in town, Dr. Rechner" he counters with a wink. "Yeah, right, screwing every cunt you will have a grasp" she sneers. "Not just any cunt, Dr. Rechner. I'm picky. My charm is undeniable but only a few are chosen" he incredulously retorted. His arrogance did not fail to show. "Shameless" she scoffs as she settles down on her chair again, relaxing her triggered nerves. "So, are you in a relationship?" his next question surprised her. He even ignores her sarcasm. Staring at him, she narrows her eyes while he remains to wait for her response. She can't believe he will ask her. "Mr. Steel, I'm too busy to deal with some egotistical being in my life. I have enough with you and Tim around me. So, no. Thank you" she mocks her sweet smile as she meets his intense gaze. "You made us sound like a burden to you" he mumbles though unaffected. Chuckling was the least she expected she would do with the situation but she did it anyway. She was amused by the man. They've been bothering her for no apparent reason but to kill time and blow some steam out of a stressful day. And he doesn't call himself a burden. "Why are you concerned about my relationship status, perchance?" she casually asks instead. "Well, aside from your constant masturbation issues. I don't see other flaws" he mumbles but his words made her roll her eyes in annoyance. The nerve of the man. "Mom loves you. You can also tolerate her despite her overly doting on you" he added, raising her suspicion of where he is leading. "I doubt you could find a man who could tolerate you, so I'm your only chance, well aside from Tim" he continues but his insult did not escape her ears. "What are you trying to say, Mr. Steel? I don't care if you paid one million dollars for this useless conversation but if you continue to talk nonsense, I will throw you out of my clinic" seriously, she warned though he remains unbothered. "You really need some humor in your life. You are so grumpy. Improve your sex life, doctor. I told you, a man can do better than masturbating alone" he mutters under his breath. "My sex life has nothing to do with this conversation, Mr. Steel" she snickers. "Yeah, right" he rolls his eyes but becomes serious before he exhausts his welcome. Staring at him, she waited for him to continue. "I don't have plans to be with someone I cannot tolerate at this time. Mom has been filling my ears with marriage and settling down" he casually explains while Amara listens. "I'm enjoying my life as a bachelor. Marriage and children were not on my list for another five years, maybe" he added. "You, too. You are so focused on your career. I don't think you will take a burden at this time. What I mean is, an annoying husband and a possible baby. You are not cut to be a loving wife and mother" he added with casualness like they are discussing the weather and the upcoming blooming of flowers. Unamused, she raised her brows. She seems tired to counter so she chooses to just clench her jaw. "Thank you for the insult" she sweetly smiles despite wanting to poke the man's eyes. "This is a discussion of two mature individuals, you don't need to be sarcastic" he sneers. "Is it? Well, sorry I didn't get it to be so" she sneers back before she becomes serious. "Cut the crap, what do you want?" she coldly asks. "Let us get married" he casually announces. ***😏**

Chapter 3 Chapter 2 Dangerous Man

Staring at him, the room becomes eerily quiet. Both were gauging each other. "That's the only way I could stop mom from pestering me" he shrugs. "She loves you as a daughter, so better make it legal" he added. "I can't believe you are falling into this kind of trick. For goodness sake Luther, you are not a high schooler to be bothered by such a threat" she chuckles while shaking her head in pure amusement. "She happens to be Chairman Helen Steel of Steel Corporation. The most arrogant woman, well, aside from you of course"  he sarcastically counters. Unamused, she smiles sweetly. "Then find a suitable woman who would jump into your bed and make her pregnant. Problem solve. Simple as that" she snickers before standing up. "Where are you going? We are not done yet" he glares at her when she was about to leave. "Your time is up, I only entertain clients for a maximum of thirty minutes" she casually mumbles before going to the ensuite bathroom to wash her hands. "Wait, I paid one million dollars for your time" he angrily reminded. "You paid for my thirty minutes consultation. Regardless of the amount, I could only sit down with you for that period" she corrected with a grin. Incredulous, he chuckles before fishing out his phone. "There, I transferred another million. Now, take a seat" he triumphantly declares, challenging her. Exasperated by his antics, she slumped back on her chair. She just slightly grasps the message of transfer from her phone before it went black. "Luther... I know you are rich and you could pay for my whole day. But I'm not the right person to solve your foolishness" casually serious, she faces him with clasped hands. "It would be on your terms, Arah. Just give me this peace of mind" he persuaded. Remaining to be quiet, she just stare at him like he lost his mind. "Fine, it would be temporary. Then if I find someone suitable. A wife material then we will divorce. While in this marriage, I assure you I won't take your time. You can do your usual stuff. I won't insist on you. I won't intervene with your schedule. I will respect your boundaries. I just need that piece of paper for mom and right now, you're the most eligible. And it would be your rules, Arah" he desperately explains. "You go to such lengths just to do this nonsense? I expect more from you, Mr. CEO. I heard a lot, acclaiming your shrewdness in the business world. What happened to that man? Why so irrational this time?" unbothered and unconvinced, she responded with a sly smile. "Don't you dare make me beg you, Amara Rechner!" upon hearing her tone, his mood changed. "And don't you dare threaten me, Mr. Luther Steel" she replied with the same intensity. No one even the man in front of her could intimidate her. With their locked fierce gazes, they duel in silence. One trying to dominate the other but no one is winning. "I don't need a woman right now. Well, I need a cunt, but not a serious relationship. I need a piece of that bullshit marriage contract. I'm getting tired of explaining, Amara" he mutters with a clenched jaw. "And you decided to pester me with your ridiculous proposal?" she counters. "Because you are the perfect person I need. Someone who doesn't care about my money, my status, and everything on my entire agenda. Someone who will not be bothered not to see me the whole day, the whole week...months, or even years. Someone who doesn't care about everything around her including a missing husband as long as she has patients to attend to" riled by Arah's lack of concern over his plight, he exasperatedly exclaims. "I'm not like that!" a sudden protest rise in her gut. She doesn't agree she was that negligent. "Believe me, Arah, you're like that" dismissing her protest, he insisted. "And you are exactly what I need. I need your deliverance, so, please. I'm too busy to have a wife now if it's not you. You know what I mean. There is no way you will bother to know what I'm up to unless I'm dying" he smirks while she exasperatedly rolling her eyeballs. Though seething with irritation for the man, she has nothing to counter. She has been overly focused on her career, the reason she is the top-notched Dermatologist in the country today. Clients would wait for months to have an appointment with her. A sought-after doctor of socialites and famous personalities. Relationships in any form are out of her agenda. She doesn't have time for it. A day with twenty-four hours seems to be not enough for all the things she wanted to accomplish. More so having someone who will just bombard her with her lack of time. Heaving a sigh, she intently stares at the desperate man. Luther is the ruggedly handsome type. A day or two-day-old stubbles cover the lower half of his face making him look ruthlessly dangerous. His red thin chiseled lips have the kind of naughty promise for endless pleasure. Not to mention the sharp gaze of his almond shape deep-set blue eyes paired with the perfectly crafted nose. His face already screams of superiority. A total package. His athletic build, handsome face, the power, and influence he bears, and a fat bank account conclude everything. Needless to say, he is beyond perfection.  A dream guy for everyone. For her? She refuses to acknowledge. Heaving a sigh, she pursed her lips. A mannerism whenever she is in deep thought. Despite how brilliant her mind could be, there is a part of her that agrees with the ridiculous scheme Luther wanted to pull out. The dumb side of her is winning. And no matter how she convinces herself of the absurdity of the idea, she is actually considering it, to her aghast. Well, there's no harm in helping the jerk once in a while. Anyway, he knows how to respect her boundaries. She will not be threatened. To her dismay, she seems to have no control of herself today and a part of her has been fervently convincing herself to agree. "I will have my own space and no physical contact. I mean...the sex part of marriage. No commitment whatsoever. No demands of any form. I am not an actress, so, no lovey-dovey set up in front of the public, we are not youngsters and it's cringy. Do your thing and I will do mine. Since this is your scheme, it's your full responsibility to protect this so-called marriage. I won't have issues with other men, but since you love to date and fuck around, be discreet. Because I won't be defending your ass once rumor comes afloat. You're on your own to face mom" she mutters while looking straight into Luther's eyes. "Deal" readily, he agrees. Raising her brows, she suspiciously stares at him. She wasn't expecting his quick agreement. "Most importantly, I'm not meek so don't expect a coy wife. I will have a voice equal to yours, I don't like being dictated" she added with a smile. "Don't worry about anything, just sign the marriage contract. And I've known you for more than eight years, Arah, no need to remind me" relieved by her agreement, he winks at her. "Just don't fall in love with me. But if you did, just tell me and we will make amends for your terms. That would be understandable. Especially the sex thing, it's better than masturbating alone. I could do it better, I assure you" his sly smile added to her irritation. "Shameless. Now out. My patient has been waiting for hours now" she stands and gestures to the door. "Such a great treatment for your future husband" he snickers before standing up. "I will be back later with the marriage contract" he announces before heading towards the door. Leaving Arah with a raised brow. "In a hurry?" she sneers at the leaving man. "You might change your mind. I won't take chances. It already cost me two million dollars for a less than an hour discussion" he replied without turning back to look at her. His two hands were already inside his pockets. "You're filthy rich! Losing a few million won't hurt you" she loudly retorted. "Yeah, I know. See you later, wifey" he playfully responded before disappearing from her sight. Staring at the empty door, she was surprised when a smile carved her lips. Upon realizing what she was doing, she tries to stop herself by biting them. There was nothing funny with the situation but she was somewhat amused. She has been tolerant with the Steel brothers but never indulgent, until today. And she doesn't know what comes into her to have agreed. "What mess did you put yourself into, Amara?" she whispers to herself, blankly staring at the wall across from her. Slumping on her chair, she massaged her nape in frustration. Why did she agree with such foolishness? She repeatedly asks herself but could not find the answer. Or she doesn't really want to find the answer. She is not yet ready...to be honest. "Luther Steel is a dangerous man, Amara. He could break you in no time" she continue to talk to herself while slumped on her table. She was never worried about a waiting patient. Though the clinic's other services were unhampered, the moment Luther Steel set foot on her territory, she had instructed her secretary to cancel every appointment she has today. However, the reason for attending to patients is her only escape from the shameless man. After the exhausting bantering, all she needs is to be alone in her thoughts. She has a lot to think about and she has to start right away. She had mindlessly put herself on a dangerous path she had been trying to avoid. Her impulsiveness today would surely cost her a lot...really a lot. Like eight years ago. ***😔**

Chapter 4 Chapter 3 Married

"I really can't believe you two have betrayed us like this" Helen glares at Arah and Luther who are both speechless the instant the older woman starts her tirades. Helen has been ranting for almost an hour and no one could counter her, even her husband. She has been unstoppable after the two announce their supposed marriage. "You were married for two days without us knowing. I can't believe this" raising her hand in pure frustration, she huffs her every breath. She is angry...furious actually. "Mom, we are two consenting adults. We don't need permission" Luther spoke for the first time after the entire time his mother has been ranting their heads off with her anger. "Yeah, of course, I know that. But we are your parents! Your family! And it is Arah you married, idiot! Why do you have to do it in secret? She is almost a daughter to us!" Helen angrily counters. "Mom, we are so sorry. I got so busy with my patients and I only have that two hours to spare so we just seize the opportunity to sign the certificates" Arah calmly spoke after seeing how angrier the woman had become. "Two hours?" exasperated, she glares at Arah. "It's your wedding but you just squeezed it between your busy schedule?! You got to be kidding me, Amara!" Helen flares up. Arah flinches at the sarcasm in the woman's words. She hit the bullseye but there was no way Arah would concede. Timothy has been quiet at the corner, busting his ears with all the angry rants from his mother which he doubt would end soon. All he could do is spare the two forlorn figures with sympathetic looks. "If you are that busy, then you could have told me and I will arrange everything" Helen added. "Mom, we don't need everything. This is what is convenient for both of us. This is what we want" calmly, she responded, making Helen look at her like she lost her mind. "I don't need a fancy wedding. It won't ensure a happy ending, right?" she smiles as she playfully asks Luther's mother. Hearing her, Helen paused and become thoughtful. "Arah..." she suddenly calms down. "I don't have plans for any relationship but I would try it with Luther. However, if it won't work, so be it. We are still friends and I'm still your daughter. That's all I could offer. I don't need someone, you know that mom. Nonetheless, I will tolerate Luther as long as I can. We have a mutual understanding and that is what matters to me. That is what is suitable for the both of us" with a casual smile, she continues. She doesn't believe in fairy tales or happy endings. There is no such thing as that because if there is, her mother would have been by her side and she grew up in a complete and happy family. She won't be apathetic as what they say about her. But who could blame her? She has no mother to teach her how to deal with her emotions. Silence rules after she spoke. No one could counter her. They are aware of what she had been through since a child. She grew up without a mother. Her father just casually told her she went away to be with someone else. And she never felt any affection from him. He married another but instead of having a complete family and a mother figure, she become a rival to her father's attention until she got tired of trying. She grew up almost alone. Her father provides her with money and everything she needs except for the warmth of a loving heart and a home. Her father is as cold and distant as she is. He is too focused on his career to mind a child from his unfaithful ex-wife. Growing up, she developed a complicated temperament. She cannot even keep a friend until she met Timothy Steel. A stubborn engineering student who eventually becomes her friend. The guy respects her boundaries and they somewhat jive in despite the total opposite of their interest and academe. Slowly, he introduces her to his family. And she doesn't know what she did but his mother dotes on her despite her aloof personality. Eventually, she was used to being around the family. She started to call Helen, mom, and Eric, dad. The Steel family is the only people whom she could tolerate. They made her feel like a family in one way or another. They adore her without crossing the boundary she set around her. They respect and value her. And she appreciates them. "Arah..." Tim tries to break the tension but he cannot think of anything to say. It's quite a sensitive issue for her and until today, they don't know how to deal it with her. "It's either Tim or Luther. I just chose to be with Luther this time, if it doesn't work, then maybe Tim could have me" playfully, she added. She even teasingly smiles at everyone around her. Tim chuckles, getting it as a joke but Luther remains placid. No one could guess his thoughts. "You really are cunning, Amara. You plan to have both of my boys" Helen indulges her playfulness. "There's no harm in trying, mom. They are the most eligible bachelors in the country. It won't be a fault if I want to sample them before I release them to the ocean of hungry vultures" she chuckles as she winks at Helen and Eric. "Yeah, better choose the best for yourself, Arah" Eric playfully agreed. The tension earlier dissipates but not all. "Of course, dad. I have the upper hand" she chuckles. "Well, then... " Helen heaves a sigh. "I will have to trust you on this. You are both adults, you know what you are doing. Though I really want a grand wedding for you and Luther, I cannot do much if I'm on my own" Helen continues with a smile, surrendering her case. "Thanks, mom" she appreciates her for not insisting. The least she wanted to do is to fabricate more lies to Helen and Eric. Though almost everything she says was true there are parts she didn't mean. Glancing at Luther, she feels like she was left on her own, explaining to the two oldies. The man chooses to be quiet and say nothing to defend their setup. After the tense get-together, they left without talking to each other. Luther's mood seem to change and although she noticed, she didn't bother to inquire. "I will be meeting with some friends" after the long silence, Luther speaks. "Just drop me at the penthouse. I want to rest" she softly mumbles without turning to look at him. It's the weekend and it's her time to rest. Despite how busy she could get, she save the weekends for her alone time. Well, except for today. They have to break the news to Luther's parents about their marriage. And they finally did it over lunch earlier after two days of contemplation. Now that the burden has been taken off their shoulder. They could freely move around, not as a couple but back to their usual routine. Putting an act of being a sweet couple is not on her plan, more so with Luther. Even their parents have recognized it's not their cup of tea. And they respected them. So it won't be a big deal if they appear to be distant from each other despite being married. "I won't be back for dinner" he mumbles. It's actually their first day together after Arah moves in earlier today. "I'm not expecting you to" she casually responded before long silence followed. After a long while, they arrived at Luther's place. "Thank you..." Not waiting for his response, she went out of the vehicle and walk straight to the door without looking back. Clad in a sleeveless white tailored jumpsuit with a low V-shaped neckline, she instantly becomes a ravishing spectacle. Her elegance is a head-turner. And Luther could see the admiring gazes around as she walk her way to the building. Aside from her perfect figure, her flawlessly pinkish complexion is her real wealth. She may have access to every procedure towards perfection but she has never undergone any. She is blessedly gifted with flawlessly healthy skin and a beautifully sculpted face. Thanks to her gorgeous mother's genes. Despite sporting a cold demeanor paired with her neat bun hairstyle, she maintains her allure. Her delicate beauty stands out despite her tough demeanor. She is the epitome of her profession. One of the reason patients flocks to her clinic's doorstep is the dream of having her perfection. To avail her expertise to do miracles. For a renowned Dermatologist, she is her own model. Walking straight ahead, she was unbothered by the attention she was getting. She was used to the spotlight and she had long accepted and lived with it. For no apparent reason, he remains on his spot watching the gentle sway of her figure until she disappears inside the elevator. Heaving a sigh, he stepped on the gas. The piercing sound of his engine broke the usual noise of the busy street. If he could make his car speed away, he would. But the congested traffic prevented him from doing so. He is pissed with a lot of things and all he wanted is to flee as far as he can. Far from everything even from his own thoughts. ***😐**

Chapter 5 Chapter 4 Right One

She entered a quiet apartment and she assumed Luther is yet to return. They have been together for two weeks and they seldom see each other. Just like they usually were. It was late and she was exhausted. She was about to enter her bedroom when a figure appeared at the door of the balcony. "How's your day?" Startled by the sudden voice from behind, she nervously flinches. "You startled me" holding her chest, she exclaims. "Sorry...I didn't intend to""Have you eaten?" he continues. "Yes, I had dinner with Tim. He had his usual procedure and we went out together to grab some late dinner" casually she explains. Instead of going inside her room, she walk to the couch and took a seat. "How about you, have you had your dinner?" she heaved a relieved sigh after her back touched the soft backrest. She placed her bag beside her while she tries to relax her sore muscles. "I had it with some associates" he softly replies without leaving his spot. He could freely watch her from where he was standing. "Want some wine?" he continues after a while he got no response from her. Her eyes were closed and seemed to be asleep. "Nah...I have my fill earlier" she softly mumbles without opening her eyes. "You rest now. And take off those shoes, it looks uncomfortable" his eyes turn to her black stiletto heels. A chuckle sounded before she opens her eyes. "This is actually a comfortable one" she pointed at her feet with a smile. "I don't know about that. It looks like a deadly weapon to me. The heels are too high and sharp" he softly counters, making her chuckle more. "I need to be going. I feel like I'm about to fall from exhaustion" she playfully mutters while standing. "Need a hand?" worriedly, he was about to help her. "Nah...I got it" she smiles before turning away towards her door. Leaving him with his gaze following her back. "Good night Luther, see you when I see you" she spoke as she enters her bedroom. "Good night, Arah. Have a good night's rest" he responded before she closes her door. Silence envelops the entire place as he was left alone. It's too quiet, just like how it usually is. Arah's presence did not change the ambiance of his cold and empty apartment. They seldom see each other, too busy to be together in one place. It's been weeks but they haven't stayed at home and done something like any other couples do. But then, he remembered. They are not the usual couple. Heaving a sigh, he empties his glass. It's late and he is tired. He was on the balcony for he doesn't know how long. The city lights kept him company while waiting for Arah. He had hoped she will have time for a drink before bedtime but she was with Tim. Even without their setup, they were friends and they always had a great time whenever they are together. But lately, he feels like he wanted them to connect. At least a step higher than what they were used to. Like having an intimacy they don't have while being friends. However, Arah seems to be not interested in anything. "So, this seems to be sleeping time" he mumbles before closing the door of the balcony. Heading straight to his bedroom, his eyes lingered on Arah's door. She may be preparing to sleep by now. A sigh escaped him before he enters his door. But before he does his nightly routine, he picks up his phone. "I'm due for laser skin resurfacing. Can I have an appointment?" he composed a message and tap the send button. He waited for a while, holding his phone. Not long it lighted up for an incoming message. "Make sure to shave all facial hair. I'm available tomorrow at six in the evening. Just go to the clinic" a reply made him smile. "See you then. Dinner after?" he keyed in. "Sure, that would be great" he didn't wait long to have her reply. With a smile, he went to the bathroom to do his nightly routine. And have his needed rest next. It's a fruitful day despite it being exhausting. And to fulfill his appointment with the famous Dermatologist in the City, he is in the clinic before six in the evening the following day. "You're early" she smiles as she took her seat after coming back from her last VIP patient. "I can't miss my appointment. It's so difficult to get one" he playfully retorted, making her roll her eyes. "Funny, CEO Steel" snickering, she glares at him. "You will do my procedure?" he asks afterward. "Yes, of course. I can't trust the famous CEO's skin with anyone else" she teasingly smiles. She doesn't usually do procedures even for her VIP clients. She just briefly supervises after consultation. But for the Steel family, she is hands-on for all of them. "Excuse me, Dr. Rechner, the room is ready for CEO Steel" one of the staff excused herself. "Thank you, May" she just briefly responded before standing up again. "You want some drink, first? Water...juice?" she offers before opening the fridge. "Water, please""Here" handing him the bottle, she looks up to inspect the side of his eyes. Her three inches stiletto added to her five feet and five inches height against his towering height of six feet two inches, she still needs to tiptoe to clearly see the fine creases at the side of his eyes. An opportunity for their faces to be closer. "Just a few laugh lines and some stressed skin texture. Not much work" she mumbles, unaffected by their closeness. He stayed still while she was a few inches away from him. He could breathe her breath and it was kind of refreshing. "Okay, let's proceed to the room. This won't take long" she casually moves away and went straight to the door. Leaving him on his spot, frozen while taking deep breaths. Arah went inside the room with Luther following behind and she could hear the hushed giggles from her staff. She was used to it. Every time Tim and Luther would have their session, her staff was all elated to have the two men. Who could blame them, every woman is swooning at their mere presence. "Make yourself comfortable" she gestures to the bed. While she was checking the machine and the equipment she will be using, Luther lay down and made himself comfortable. "Let's see... " she turns to him with a bright light to check his face. Her still bare hands inspect his skin and the areas she needed to focus on. In normal sessions, she will never dare to touch anything without medical gloves. But with Luther, she is freely exploring his face like it's her own. "Just some fine lines" she mumbles while running her fingertips through the sides of his lips. "I'm quite sure you oftentimes forget to put on sunscreen" she continues as she moves upward, inspecting the sides of his eyes and forehead. "When I'm in a hurry..." he grins guiltily. "Always put moisturizer and sunscreen. Those are the basics for healthy skin, Ther" she playfully glares. "I will...sorry" he guiltily mumbles while enjoying her fragrant cotton soft hands against his skin. Her feather touches are immensely calming. "You should keep that in mind. You have been telling me that since the beginning" playfully, she cup his face and squeezed it to make him look her in the eye. With pursed lips from her squeeze, he can't help chuckling. "I will this time, doctor. Promise" he assures her despite having difficulty speaking. "Yeah...promises" she playfully counters before turning away to wear her gloves to start. She did the procedure over a once-in-a-while relaxing conversation. With their busy schedules, his session is a great chance to reconnect. They could talk about things they don't usually have no time to discuss in normal circumstances. "Haven't you had a change of heart regarding your terms with our marriage?" he suddenly asked, making her pause and stare at him. "Should I? And what change do you think I should reconsider?" she casually asked after returning to what she was doing. "The sex part... " shamelessly, he answers. Amused, she chuckles. She was surprised by his bluntness. "From all the terms I have, it's sex you want me to reconsider?" she amusedly asks. "What is a marriage without sex? I'm good in bed. I am way better than your fingers" he rolls his eyes despite it being close. "You are shameless, Luther Steel. I know you had bedded a lot but I'm not interested to be included in the collection of your sex trophies. And why are we discussing this in the first place? Isn't the terms clear the first time we discussed your marriage proposal?" glaring at him, she gently pinched his nose. "Are you not curious about how good I am?" he continues, making her exasperated. "I am not curious. If you say you are good at pleasuring women, then I believe you. You don't need to prove it" she counters. "And isn't it obvious? Women are jumping on your bed, indeed you really are great. Just be careful. Health matters most" she casually added. "I'm more than careful. But I'm not with anyone since we got married. So, can you reconsider having me? I have a full testicle by now. I can't jerk like a teenager, Arah. Have mercy on me" he pleaded and he meant it. "So shameless, Luther. You are making me embarrassed. I can't believe we are discussing this like it's the most casual thing in the world" she snickers though she could feel the warm blush creeping on her face. "We are married and we could have sex anytime or openly discuss our sexual preferences" he persisted. "But what we have is not real and for goodness sake, Luther, this topic is awkward" incredulously amused, she rolls her eyes. She was so amused that she hasn't noticed Luther's silence. "And I didn't expect you would want to have sex with me, Ther. You've been telling me how cold and distant I am. I may not be capable to be passionate like any other woman you had been with. And please, spare me the details. I'm afraid my brain could not take it" she added with a chuckle. She focus her attention on what she was doing. Their discussion is getting awkward. He remains quiet while she continues gushing about the idea. "Do you find it dirty? What I mean...the sex act" he mumbles softly. He had known Arah to be meticulous and neat. He could not even remember seeing her sweaty. She is always neatly made up. Even without makeup, Arah still looks elegant and prim. Her glowing aura has never failed her. He never had a chance to see her with messy hair or undone clothes. She is always perfectly dressed even at home. It's the reason why they all perceive her to be meticulously cold. He can't imagine her to be messy and sex is messy. "I don't know. But maybe with the right person, whether it's unsanitary or not, it won't be an issue" she chuckles while mentally grimacing at the seriousness and at the same time awkwardness of their topic. "So the right person just hasn't come yet" he mumbles softly. Taken aback by his assumption, she was rendered speechless. "I didn't mean it like that" she tries to amend her words. "That's how I understand it" he softly mumbles, sounding almost distant and dismissing. Not knowing how to amend herself, she just stared at him until she gave up trying. ***😔**