Chapter 1 Chapter 1 "The Fall of Innocence"

Prologue Nothing stays perfect forever. No one lives a life untouched by hardship. Pain is inevitable. Some wounds go so deep they leave scars on the soul, leaving behind only shadows depression, anxiety, and fear. Elara knew this too well. Despite juggling a demanding job under a very strict boss and an exhausting university schedule, she couldn't shake the emptiness clawing at her chest. A young girl curled herself into the corner of a dark cupboard, pressing her tiny hands over her ears to block out the heartbreaking wails of her mother. Tears streamed down her pale cheeks as she peeked through the keyhole, her heart pounding like a war drum. "No! You can't leave me! Please....No!" Her mother's screams sent a fresh wave of terror through her. The raw agony in her voice made Elara's body tremble harder. She wanted to run to her mother, to throw her arms around her and stop the pain but fear held her captive. But then, her mother’s tear-streaked face turned towards her, her swollen eyes locking onto the keyhole. It was as if she could see straight into Elara's soul. "Baby... come here," her mother whispered, forcing a smile through her pain. Elara shook her head violently. "Please, baby." Her mother reached out, stepping closer. But before Elara could react darkness swallowed everything. She woke up gasping for air. Her hands clutched at the sheets as her chest rose and fell in rapid, frantic breaths. This nightmare. Again, she shook her head. Rubbing her eyes she raised her hand and reached for the small rough tissue box on the nightstand, she wiped the sweat off her forehead. "Get a grip, Elara." Dragging herself to the bathroom, she turned on the warm water, letting it cascade over her tense shoulders. Last night had drained her. She had barely gotten three hours of sleep. But when she glanced at the clock, her heart dropped. "Shit!" Throwing on clothes in a frenzy, she stuffed her bag with whatever she needed and bolted out of the apartment. She ran as hard as possible. Because if there was one thing she couldn't afford, it was being late. She stopped just outside the café she worked. Trying her best to calm her raging breath. Straightening her clothes, she pulled out her phone, checking her reflection on the darkened screen. Her hair was a mess, but she didn’t have time to fix it. She pushed the door open but immediately froze. A tall man with striking red hair stood by the counter, his sharp eyes slicing through her like a blade. His smirk was deadly. He flicked his gaze arrogantly toward the old clock on the café wall and then glanced back to her. She knew she was dead. "You're F* cking Fired.""Sir, please!" Elara's voice cracked as she fell to her knees, her trembling hands clutching the hem of his expensive suit. Humiliation burned through her veins, but she didn’t care. Not when everything was on the line. "I swear, it won’t happen again! Just one more chance, please!" Her devil of a boss didn’t even blink. Instead, he continued counting a stack of bills, his fingers moving lazily while scoffing in between. Then, without warning, he threw the entire envelope at her face. While looking at her with so much disgust in his gaze. "Take your damn money and get out." His voice was cold. "No… no, no, no, please—" Elara scrambled forward, her shaking hands gripping his pant leg like a lifeline. Tears blurred her vision, but she forced herself to meet his eyes. "Please, sir, I need this job! I—I need the money! You don’t understand—" A low, cruel chuckle escaped his lips. "Oh, I understand just fine." He crouched down, his piercing gaze locking onto hers. "You think begging is going to change my mind?" His tone was laced with amusement. "Pathetic." Elara flinched as he pried her fingers off his leg like she was filthy. "You were late, Elara. Not once. Not twice. But three f**cking times also you have broken some of my expensive utensils of which by the way I cut from your salary " His voice dropped, venom dripping from every syllable. "And you think I’ll let a useless, incompetent little thing like you stay here for another minute?" She worked harder than anyone. She busted her ass every damn day. But none of that mattered to him. "Please," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Just one more chance… I’ll do anything." Damian’s eyes darkened. And then he laughed. A slow, mocking laugh that sent chills up her spine. "Anything?" he echoed, tilting his head. "How desperate are you, little girl?" Her stomach twisted. He leaned in closer, his lips brushing her ear. "Are you willing to spread those legs for me? Is that it?" A violent shiver ran through her. Her eyes widened in shock, but before she could speak. He grabbed her chin, forcing her to look at him. "Is that what you’re offering, Elara?" His voice was smooth, dripping with cruelty. "Because if you’re expecting me to take pity on you for crying like a worthless little b**ch." His grip tightened. "then you’re even dumber than I thought." Tears spilt down her cheeks, but she didn’t wipe them. She couldn't move. "You’re done here." With one final shove, he sent her crashing to the floor. She gasped for breath, her fingers digging into the cold marble, as she watched him stride toward the exit. Shaking her head Elara’s fingers moved as she collected her money from the ground one by one on the cold, polished floor. Her hands shook, her chest heaving. But she forced herself to move. "How pathetic.""Did you see the way she begged? Like a desperate dog.""Tsk. Look at her. Still picking up the money. Guess some people will do anything for cash." Heat burned in her cheeks. Her throat tightened, but she kept her eyes fixed ahead. Don’t look at them. Don’t react. She gripped the money tight in her hold. Her vision blurred with unshed tears. "Ugh, I’d rather kill myself than be humiliated like that." That one hit her hard . Her heart clenched so violently that she almost gasped. But she swallowed it down. She didn’t have the luxury of pride. Not when there were mouths to feed. Not when she had nothing else left. So she kept walking. Once she was out of the cafa. Her  phone rang. She wipe her tears seeing the call was from her friend Mia. --------------------- "This is a really bad idea, Mia," Elara muttered, shifting uncomfortably in her seat. Across from her, Mia took a slow sip of her wine, completely unfazed. "Relax, Elara. You need this." They were at a club, a place Elara never imagined herself stepping into. Loud music pounded against her skull. Bodies pressed together on the dance floor, lost in a haze of sweat, alcohol, and flashing neon lights. The air reeked of perfume, liquor, and desperation. This wasn't her world. And neither was this dress. She tugged at the too-short hem, her fingers curling around the fabric as if she could somehow stretch it. The tight material clung to her body, emphasizing the curves she usually hid. Her chest felt exposed, her skin prickling under the weight of countless hungry stares. Men were watching.  A few had already tried to approach her, offering drinks, and flashing smirks laced with bad intentions. She had turned them all down, but their eyes still followed her, making her skin crawl. She hated it. "Mia, please " she pleaded, her voice barely audible over the deafening bass. Mia rolled her eyes, swirling the wine in her glass. " Try to have fun, darling.""How can I possibly enjoy a place like this?"Elara said, Mia exhaled dramatically, shaking her head. "God, Elara, loosen up for once." Elara clenched her jaw. Loosen up? Did Mia have any idea what she had been through today? She had been humiliated. Fired like she was worthless. Forced to walk out while people whispered about her like she was nothing more than a joke. Now, she was here, dressed like someone she wasn’t, surrounded by men who saw her as nothing more than a body to devour with their eyes. "Mia," she tried again, more firmly this time. But her friend had already had too much to drink. She turned to Elara with a playful smirk, giving her a once-over. "This girl," Mia muttered, shaking her head. "You seriously need to embrace how hot you are. Try wearing sexy clothes more often, and maybe you'll actually get a boyfriend." Elara’s patience thinned. "I’m not here for that, Mia. I came because you dragged me here. And now I want to leave." Mia groaned and finally put her wine down. Then, grabbing Elara’s hands, she locked eyes with her, her expression softening. "I know, Elara," she said quietly. "I know how hard things are for you. I know what happened today. I know how much you’ve been sacrificing for your family. But just once, forget them. Forget everything. Just for tonight. Be selfish for once." Elara’s throat tightened. She wanted to argue, to insist that she couldn't afford to be selfish. But maybe… Mia was right. For years, all she had done was work, struggle, fight. Survive. Maybe for one night… she could breathe. She swallowed hard. Then, finally, she nodded. "Okay," she whispered. "Let’s enjoy this party." Mia’s grin stretched wide. "That’s my girl!" Before Elara could rethink her decision, Mia shoved a drink into her hand. "Drink up!" Hesitantly, Elara took a sip. Then another. And another. Mia whooped in excitement, grabbing her wrist and dragging her toward the dance floor. Elara let out a breathless chuckle, watching her best friend spin, sway, and dance like she owned the night. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad after all. Maybe, for tonight, she could pretend. Elara danced her heart out, her body swaying to the pulsing beat, her mind blissfully foggy from the alcohol. She was lost in the rhythm, letting go, until she heard a deep, velvety voice from behind. "Alone?" Her movements faltered. Slowly, she turned, her vision slightly blurred from her drink. But she saw him, Tall. Powerful. Devastatingly handsome man standing in front of her. His dark, sharp eyes held hers with an intensity that sent a slow shiver down her spine. He was dressed in a tailored suit, the top two buttons undone, exposing a glimpse of his toned chest. His sleeves hugged his muscular arms, and his presence alone commanded attention. He was the kind of man, women wrote fantasies about. And judging by the way half the women in the club were secretly checking him out, she wasn’t the only one mesmerized. But his eyes? They were only on her. She swallowed hard, but before she could say anything— "Done eye- fucking me, baby?" Her breath caught. Elara blinked, snapping out of her trance. Arrogant bastard. Her cheeks burned, and she lifted her chin, masking her embarrassment with irritation. "Can I help you? What do you want?" she shot back. The man smirked, his lips curling in amusement. He leaned in slightly, forcing her to instinctively lean back. She could smell him. Not just the faint trace of whiskey on his breath, but the expensive cologne that clung to his skin, He was a mix of danger and temptation. "I want you." He said, His voice was low, teasing, seductive. The kind of voice that could make a woman forget her name. Her heart thudded in her chest. "I’m sorry, but I don’t know you," she managed to say, though her voice wavered slightly. His smirk deepened. "You don’t know me?" She crossed her arms. "No. Should I?" The way he chuckled sent an unsettling warmth through her. "I’m surprised," he murmured, tilting his head. "A woman this beautiful, this sexy, and she doesn’t even know my name?" Damn this man and his mouth. Heat rose up her neck, and she cursed her body for betraying her. He extended his hand. "Let’s keep it that way, for now. You can call me Liam." Liam. The name suited him. Against her better judgment, she took his hand. His grip was strong and warm. "Elara," she introduced herself. His lips twitched into something wicked. "Elara… Your name is as beautiful as you, babygirl." Her stomach flipped. "Will you stop calling me that?" she muttered. He chuckled again, clearly enjoying how easily he could fluster her. "What? Baby? It suits you. After all, you’re my baby tonight." This man was impossible. She opened her mouth to retort, but before she could, she realized something. Where was Mia? Her eyes scanned the dance floor, but her friend was nowhere to be found. A sinking feeling formed in her stomach. "Oh… where is she? I think they left." She heard him say. She turned back to Liam and caught him watching her carefully. "That’s none of your business," she snapped, suddenly annoyed by his presence. But his next words hit her like a punch to the chest. "What if someone takes advantage of you? What if I hadn’t come?" Elara’s breath hitched. There was something in his tone. Something real. As if he wasn’t just flirting anymore as if he was actually concerned. But why? Why would a stranger care about her safety? And why did he sound… possessive? She narrowed her eyes. "I can protect myself." Liam’s smirk returned, but this time, it was different. Darker. "Really?" he murmured. "So if I do this, what will you do?" Elara barely had time to process his words before he moved. Before his lips crashed against hers. Her world stopped. The music. The people. The noise. Gone. All she could feel was him. His lips were warm, firm, and devastatingly intoxicating. He kissed her like he had all the time in the world, slow and deliberate, as if savouring the moment. Her mind screamed at her to push him away, but her body refused to move. Her first kiss. A stolen kiss. Before she could react, he pulled back, his face inches from hers. His breath was warm against her lips. Her body trembled. His dark eyes burned into hers as he whispered, "What will you do if a man kisses you like that?" His fingers trailed along her cheek, his touch so gentle it made her shiver. Elara’s lips tingled. Her heart pounded so hard she was sure he could hear it. Why did he kiss her? Why did she let him? Her voice was barely a whisper. "Why did you do that?" Liam sighed, his fingers brushing over her lips this time. "Because my heart told me to." Her pulse jumped. "My heart told me to kiss the woman in front of me." His thumb stroked her lower lip. "And I liked it. A lot." Heat pooled in her stomach. This was dangerous. He was dangerous. And yet, before she could stop herself, the words tumbled out of her lips. "I… I liked it too." Liam smirked.

Chapter 2 Chapter 2

Elara woke up again with a nightmare. She was sweating and breathing heavily. But she also felt like she had been tortured, her body was aching and sore. Especially down there. "ugh. What happened to me? " She asked herself. Her whole body is aching. She tried to move her legs, but it only worsened the pain. Ouch! What the hell happened? Why is my whole body aching and sore? And damn, I can't feel my legs. She sighed and looked around. She then realized that she's in an unfamiliar room. She was so sure that this was not Mia's room. She tried to sit on the bed, but she couldn't move. She looked down in between her thighs and what she saw shocked her the most. She was naked! She widened her eyes and looked around, and then her eyes saw a glimpse of a guy on the bed beside her. He was sleeping in the same bed with her. And he was also naked. Oh my god! What happened? D-did we d-do it? Her head was full of chaos; she couldn't think straight. Even though her body was aching, she tried her best to get up, groaning quietly in pain. She looked around, and found her dress on the floor. She grabbed it, and quickly wore her underwear and clothing. Then suddenly her eyes caught something on the bed its blood. Her blood. Oh no... We really did it! She creeped near the door and grabbed the doorknob, but before she could get out, she took a glance of the man who was still sleeping on the bed. He's handsome. But I still did it. To a stranger! I am such a stupid girl! She opened the door and ran fast. Even though she was feeling pain down there, she didn't care about it. She kept on running while tears were streaming down her face. She felt so stupid and ashamed of herself. If only she didn't let Mia bring her to the club and drink last night, then this won't have happened to her. This was all her fault! Who was the guy ? what happened ?  she only remember his face. What will happen if she fell sick? She immediately dressed up and run out of the room and out of the club, she reached the empty ally near her house and fell down. She burst into tears. Her state flt pity full "Why? Why are you so stupid? How can you let this thing happened? " She regretted everything. Did we use protection last night? After her breakdown in the ally, she got up brushed off the dirt from her knees and walked toward her apartment. She switched the light on but nothing happened, she tried it few times. "What happened to it "? she said in her shaky voice. She was about to make her way inside the house but she felt as if she has stepped on something. she kneels down in dark and picked the envelope. She got up and move slowly to open the windows of her apartment. Immediately sun ray enlightens the dark house of her. She smiles a little but soon it wiped off. The envelope was to inform her that the electricity bill wasn't paid and the electricity connection temporarily till she didn't pay. Her eye's immediately blurred, she hadn't felt so useless in her life. What is she going to do now? She was kneeling down holding her head in between her hands. when she heard someone entered her house. Feeling alert she immediately stood up in defence mood and crushed her self for not closing the door. But she signs in relief when she was her familiar land lady. Mrs. granda stood there with her cold eyes. Elara knew why she was here. She did not pay her rent too. Elara smile nervously. "Hello there, Mrs. granda. How are you? Wow, you look younger than the last time I saw you." She said in a cheerful voice, trying to distract the old lady. But the old lady's face remained cold. " You know why I'm here, Miss. So pay up. right now." She said rudely Elara's smile dropped. "uh.... I still don't have money, Mrs. granda. But don't worry, I'll pay you as soon as I have money. ""Then when will you have it? I need that now! ""pay up or leave this house if you can't pay me!" the old lady raised her voice; clearly angry. 'Oh, no... I already lost my job. I can't see off this apartment too.' "Please, I promise I will pay you. I promise. "". No money, no apartment. Now leave! ""No, please! Just one last chance. Please, I beg you... please, I have nowhere else to go.""Do I look like I care?! ""Please...? I beg you with all my heart... I promise I will triple my payment for the rent. Just don't let me leave this house. please..." She kept on begging the old lady. her thought about it for a seconds before she sighed. "You promise you will triple the payment? " Elara quickly nodded even though she was not sure where she can find the money. She only had one last job, and she can't lose it. "Yes... I promise. "She said with pleading eyes. the old lady rolled her eyes. "Okay. But if you still don't pay the rent, you have to leave, or else I will call the police. Get it? " She slowly nodded then the old lady left. It's a really bad day, what did she do to deserve this. Poverty is like a leech it just stuck to up for life time. Being poor is a curse. Because people treat you differently. They will take advantage of your necessity and needs and treated you like the dirt of their shoes, they discriminate against you and disgust you. Elara went through all of it at her  young age she has to go through these/ , hopeless and tired. That's what she feels. But has to continue her life she has to support her family which only consist of her grandma and little brother. Her parents died years ago because of a fire accident when she was little. Until now, that accident is still hunting her. She cannot sleep properly; she can hear her parents calling her name for help. Every time she thought of it, she got scared. She usually got a panic attack because of that fire. Now that it happened, she is now left with her grandmother and her little brother who needs her support.  she can't afford to lose them too. Elara stood up from sitting position and went to the bank, she has to pay the electricity bill for now ..

Chapter 3 Chapter 3

"Ahhh, Liam! Faster, please... " The woman underneath him said, her face is filled with pleasure as he's thrusting inside her. Moving faster and faster than before. Liam was gentle earlier when he realized that she's a virgin, and he had to be gentle to her. But when minutes had passed, he couldn't control himself. The woman felt good, and it's making him crazy. He was now thrusting deeper, faster and rougher than before, making her scream in pure pleasure. "Ahh! Harder! Harder Liam! ""F*CK! Elara-a... Sh*it you're so f*cking tight! Ughh... " He said, groaning in pleasure. The woman's eyes rolled back in fun. Liam groaned as he pinned her wrists above her head and kept on thrusting. "Ahh! Faster, please... " She begged, which made him move faster. He was now pounding hard inside her, with moaning and skin slapping sound filling the room. "Ughh! You feel so good, baby! ""Mmhh! Ahh! I- I'm coming, Liam! " Liam's thrust became desperate. After a few minutes, he felt her liquid wrapped around his manhood; then, after a few thrust, he came inside her. --------------- Liam woke up from his wet dream sweating too much; He looked around his room. But that woman he met last night was so attractive. And for the first time, he felt his heart beating faster again when he first saw her at the club. She was the first woman who captured his attention. He never felt that with anyone... He sighed and massaged his temple. Ave. When he remembered his ex-girlfriend, it ruined his day. He should always avoid those innocent looking women Because they were all the same. A bitch, a slut and a gold-digger. His fist clenched when he let himself last night have sex with a woman he just met. Maybe that woman was the same as Ave. I shouldn't have done that to her. They were all the same. He took a deep breath and tied his bathrobe around his sculpted waist, leaving his chiselled chest revealed under the silky black material. With one swift action. He picked up the crystal whiskey glass and twirled the remaining liquid in it before allowing his throat to burn with the bitter liquid; He went ahead to pour another glass of whiskey from his bar counter in his room when his mobile rang. Liam walked over to the marble table and glanced at the caller ID. He immediately declined the call; he has no mood to go to work today. There is nothing important on an afternoon on a Monday that can bother the young CEO who has the world of corporate under his feet. After 5 years of successfully riding the mile-high pride of being the youngest tycoon in the country and the present market. After getting so many miscalled, he pocked his inner cheek and picked up the call. "If I do not feel this too important, be ready to lose your job ", he spoke in his cold voice; the man on the other side tumbled in fear but spoke something. "ok, I will be there." In swift, Liam was stripping off his silk robe as he had a nice bath and walked through his walk-in-closet, picking a Dior suit from the sea of other luxury pieces elegantly lined for him. After dressing up, he was out of the door in his Ferrari. When it comes to working, Liam is the coldest and cruel person globally; he won't let single harm his company. That's the reason for his success. He has been through a lot at a young age. He has to become a CEO; he was trained by his parent from his childhood. We can also say he is a workaholic. When it comes to work, he has to record time and date; he just works till he is exhausted and couldn't lift his limb. His friends always forced him to go clubbing and have a party with them. He took his briefcase and walked down the lane to his office space. "good afternoon, Mr Owns." The middle-aged lady at the front counter greeted Liam, didn't bother to look at her, The stoic expression on his face reminded him until he passed the elevator button to his office level. Liam never bothered to spare anyone any respect or care, for he has his own best interest in his heart and not anyone else. As he passed through the employee desk, he heard the gossip and stopped in front of the two young female desks. Both of the girls blushed hard, seeing the handsome face CEO near their desk. The girls greeted him with a sultry tone, " Hello, Mr Owns". He went near her slowly picked there id's where it's written their position and their names. He looked at their face and made a disgusting face at them.  He turned toward their team head, who was trembling in His cold stare. "You are fired " three-letter, and he was on his way toward his office. The team head quickly runs toward Liam and hold his left. "Sir, please, sir, sorry sir, don't fire me; I did not do anything, sir, please." Liam smirk " you are not qualified for this company, you can't manage your employ it working hour and they are gossiping as if they are sitting in a club." He threatened him, and then he quickly left. The girl widens her eyes and trembles in fear; this is what they call the cold-hearted businessman. The security guard respectfully scout the head manager out of the company as the manager had worked hard for the company. Still, Liam will not leave anyone who breaks the rule of the company, and so the took girls had to wipe the company floor for months". He had no time to entertain gold-digger women. He had more important things to do than to date some bitches. -------------- He's been working on his laptop for an hour, and he even forgot to eat lunch. He sighed when he remembered the time when Ave was always there beside him. Whenever he forgot to have lunch and whenever he was in stress, Ave would be there with him and calmed him. She always prepared his lunch and took care of him. She was always there for him, even though he had no time for her because of his work. The job was still his priority, and Ave was always the second on his priority list. Maybe that's the reason why she left him and married another man instead of him. His hands clenched into a fist. Every time he would think of Ave, it always ruined his day. He wanted to kill every person who reminded him of her. He was so sure that he wanted to marry Ave. He thought that Ave was the one for him, but he was wrong. He found out something about her that broke him even more. After a few months of their break up, he found out that Ave was married. He was shocked when he heard. It happened too fast. But what shocked him more was the fact that Ave's husband was already an old man, and that older man was sick. Ave never loved him; she was a lying bitch and a slut. And he was so fooled by the so-called lover that he didn't realize that she only needed his wealth. He only found out about it after she married that old man. And because of what he had experienced, He developed trust issues. He had a hard time trusting people and became colder to women. After what she had done to him, he came to the conclusion that women only want his body and wealth, not his love. he was deep in his thought when the door of his office opened "Sir, you have a meeting at 9 a.m with Mr Lim. And after that, your appointment in the afternoon. You will have your lunch together with your mother. " Liam sighed when he heard his mother. He knew why she wanted to have lunch with him. she was trying really hard to get him married, she had already arranged tons of arranging marriages. "Tell her that I'm busy today. " "Okay, Sir. And before lunch, you are scheduled to meet Ms Adira at the Chinese restaurant. " "That's all? " "No, Sir. The Boards want to talk to you, and they said you need to attend their meeting cause it's essential. " "Okay, you may leave now. " His secretary nodded and left. At exact 9 a.m, Liam had a meeting with Mr Lim, the owner of Lim's enterprise. And he knew the older man wanted to invest in his company again. The meeting lasted for 2 hours, and now had to meet a bitch Grabbing his suitcase he walked outside his office. He had a meeting with Ms Adira today.

Chapter 4 Chapter 4

It's been 3 weeks since she had that one night stand she wasn’t able to forget it. She was searching for more jobs to pay off the bills which were piling up at her doorstep, one or two jobs wasn’t enough, she was really tired and her grandma hospital bills were also piling up, if she couldn’t pay back, her grandma will be kicked out of the hospital. When she gets the job in the restaurant she felt happy, she can now pay off some of her bills. It's been the day she slept nicely, dark circles were around her eyes but she has to cover up with makeup, these days she wasn’t feeling too well. it was too much, her body was exhausted but she has to fight for her family. She found a new job and the lady immediately hired her as the lady need more worker... And here she was, standing and serving every customer in this restaurant. She's been working since morning but she didn't care. She needed money and she had to work hard for it. As she was working, a customer spilt a hot coffee on her hand, she screamed in pain, tear blurred her eyes. Instead of saying sorry, the customer shouted at her. She immediately raisin her hand with cold water. The dark buries started to form, she immediately went toward the customer and bowed her head to say sorry. She was afraid the owner will kick her out it happened before Employs got scolded even when it wasn’t their fault.  The man angrily walked out taking his order. She stood straight and found her boss glaring at her. She understood and bowed mouth her sorry. Elara turned around but stood face to face with the very familiar man. It's him! I will never forget that face. The man looked at her with his cold eyes but she looked at his face with admiration. Soon she saw a woman beside him. “ Why was he with another woman? Was she his girlfriend? Why did she feel her heart aching at that thought?” It's just a one night stand. " Elara what are you doing there? Focus, and do your work! " her college said snapping her out. Damn, I should work.  else I will lose this job.  She thought but she did not notice the look on the man’s face She served a drink to a customer; then she slowly glanced at Liam and to her surprise. He was now staring at her. She widened her eyes when heat ran through her cheeks as she remembered last night. She quickly looked away and focuses on serving the other customer. But she couldn't focus. From time to time, she would take a glance at Liam, and he was still staring at her ignoring the woman who was talking to him. He was only looking at her. And that made her heart beat faster again. He stood frozen when he heard a very familiar name. He would never forget that name. He was so sure that it's her. Elara. she was here infront of him. He saw her serving some customers. That's when he realized that she was an employee in this restaurant. He couldn't take his eyes off her. He secretly smirked while checking her out. He kept on staring at her the whole time ignoring the women who are still talking to him. He admired her beauty. She was such a beautiful woman, and she was looking so sexy wearing that uniform. She was hot as fck. He stared at her body, and then slowly looking down he stopped at her ass. He smirked silently when he felt his pant getting tight. Only she could make his friend down there aroused and hard. No other women ever succeeded in making his dCK hard. No matter how much they seduced him, he felt no arousing and lust. But this woman could make him hard effortlessly. Just one glance at this woman and he was ready to fCK her. His eyes darkened, and his blood boiled when he saw the guy when he spilt his coffee on her, her hand looked very. He wanted to kill this guy. He dares to shout at her when it was his fault. Wait. Why the hell am I feeling this way? Snap out of it Liam, you shouldn't feel this way to that girl. He snapped out of his thought when he heard the irritating voice of the girl his mother set up for another blind date. The girl continued to talk for hours but she also noticed the look on Liam's face he wasn't looking at her his, his attention was on the waiter. She angrily slammed the table and shouted at Elara. " Hey, you come here !" she shouted, When Elara walked toward her table, The girl took her drink and threw it on her face. Elara hissed in pain when the drink comes in contact with her burn hand. " through pain, Elara tried to smile, Maam what's wrong, please tell me. " " you bitch, you tried to seduce my man, this is why women like you work in this high place to seduce the rich men don't you " She shouted. by now Elara tried to stop her tears but couldn't do so . " n-no m-ma'm you are wrong I was just doing my work " "oh seducing men is your work, where is the manager, slut like you should be immediately fired " she shouted and was about to slap her when Liam stop her. ' First of all, I am not your man, and second, it's not her fault it just that you are too ugly to look at " he said with a smirk at the girl. The girl's eye widen and she screams " you Liam's Own I hate you " The girl glared at Elara and stormed out of the restaurant. Liam sat silently finishing his drink. Elara bowed at him " Thank you " She said Liam didn't spare her a glance and continue to sip his drink. Elara wanted to say something but then she turns around and left for cleaning herself. It was 8 she has to work time is over, so she changed her uniform and were her usual outfit. She walked out of the restaurant and find a  Ferrari in front of the restaurant, As she was about to walk She felt someone collided with her. Her eye widens to find it, Liam, Is the Ferrari his? she thought. She grabbed his arm " Are you ok ? " she asked. She said in her soft-angelic voice that he wanted to hear every day. He didn't respond to her and just stared at her for a minute before reality hit him. This woman was poor, and now she was here in front of him, acting as she cared for him when the truth was that she needed something from him. Wealth. Snap out of it Liam. She was just pretending as everyone woman does. He sighed and looked at her coldly. " I'm fine? " " hmm do I know you ? " he asked her intensely Which caught her off guard by his words. He saw the pain in her eyes, and he didn't know why he was affected. " Y-you don't remember me? " She said in a hurtful voice. He shook his head. He's lying obviously. She looked embarrassed, hurt and disappointed. " S-sorry... I-i thought you remember me. " She mumbled, and of course, he heard her. " Sorry to disturb you. " She bowed at him and turned her back at him and started to walk away. Liam just watched her going back. He sighed. This was what he wanted. He wanted that girl to stay away from him. But why did he feel hurt when he said those words to her? Why was he affected when he saw the pain in her eyes? No... stop worrying about that girl Liam. It's just a one night stand. She was just a random girl that I fcked. Because of his past experience. He had a hard time trusting people. It was already marked on his head and heart that women were all the same: they needed him because they needed his wealth. And this woman.. is no different.

Chapter 5 Chapter 5

Elara went to rest after coming from work; with her body drained of energy, she passed out and slept till morning. While laying on her bed with the morning sun in his face, he felt nausea kicking in. Elara thought about how she was feeling throughout the week, and this month, she felt more tired day by day. She remembers how nauseated she got the last couple of weeks and how it got so bad that she sometimes wants to stay in bed not to go to work. The suspicion she had on her mind made her very nervous and frightened, so she tried to push that thought away; she doesn’t want to think about it anymore. To clear her mind, she comes to the hospital earlier than scheduled. She tried to prove her thought wrong. She was waiting patiently while playing with her fingers and looking at the ceiling. She didn't know why she was feeling nervous. She hoped and prayed to God that it wasn’t true what she was thinking. But maybe I just need to rest, right? I mean, I've been working all day and night just to earn money. But if it's just lack of sleep, why am I throwing up? She kept on thinking of the possibilities of why she was feeling this kind of symptoms. " Good morning. I have the result of Ms Elara. " She was snapped out of her thoughts when she heard the Doctor's cheerful voice. She turned her gaze and saw the DoctorDoctor, who had a happy smile on her face. " What's the result, Doctor? Am I sick?"" No, miss. "" Congratulations, you are pregnant. " Elara gawk at the Doctor, unable to perceive what she just heard. “what? I’m sorry, Doctor, but I think I heard you wrong. can you please repeat that?” Heartbeat racing. She knew it was coming, but she never thought it would really happen. “you did not hear wrong. Your test result indeed says you are in the third week of pregnancy, Congratulations!! I’m going to refer you to a gynaecologist and have that little one looked at, “ The Doctor repeated. Elara did not know if she should laugh because she was right or cry and feel sad for herself and her future baby. “Are you ok, Elara? How about I’ll ask someone to assist you with the gynaecologist. I have a lot of patients who have the same reaction, but I recommend you to at least see the baby before you decided on things,” The Doctor slowly explained to Her causing her to snap out of her thought. Elara was having a conflicted reaction, and the Doctor was very familiar with this kind of reaction, so she had to act and try to induce her patient into not making rushed decisions. I’m sorry, Doctor. I was just really shocked to hear the result, but I am keeping this child in me. Thank you so much, Doctor. “ She said and smile a little at the Doctor, the Doctor who was worried about her patient now smile at her; she wrote something on a small piece of paper and called a nurse before sending Elara out to a gynaecologist. When Clare arrived at the place, The Doctor smiled at her. “ Hello young lady, I am maria, your gynaecologist. Please take a seat.” Elara was still too shocked about the situation. She’s in at the moment. She could not believe this happening. “ok, please lay down. Is it okay for you to hold your top up and unbutton your jeans for me ?” The Doctor nice said, so she just nodded and unbuttoned her pants before pulling her top up. She still could not believe there is life growing inside her tummy. “This is going to to a little cold”, The Doctor warned before Elara felt the cold, sticky gel against her skin. Her heart was beating so fast while she watched the black and white screen. She could not understand the images on the screen, but she understood right away as the doctor explained. “ oh, see, there is the little one. This is your baby; it's as big as a peanut. You have to take care of your self. Your morning sickness will get worst day by day, and I suggest you take a rest, don’t lift the complex object and eat healthy food. Elara bit her lips, nodding at all the Guidelines and suggestions of the Doctor. The Doctor gave her a guideline brochure for the first time becoming a mother. “Being pregnant is a lot of work, and it's hazardous for both the mother and baby, so if you can’t take it anymore, then ask your friend, husband family for help you are not in this alone. The Doctor said a couple of encouraging words. She wanted to laugh at herself. She just spends 150$ on everything, and she has to visit every week here; where will she bring the money? She has to pay for her grandma hospital. Running out of the hospital. As Elara stepped into her room, she ran toward her toilet and heave non stop. Her morning sickness was too much to handle, After calming down, she washed her face; she also had to go to work. After wiping her face and dressing up, she walked out to work. ------------------ She was working, but suddenly She was about to fall when she felt a hand wrapped around her, protecting her. " Elara, are you okay? "She heard Jack asking her. Jack was one of the employees of this restaurant. " I'm okay... I just felt dizzy, that's all. " She knew why all this is happening but can’t let anyone know. " Are you sure? I think you should go and look for a doctor to check up on you. "Jack said in a worried voice, but Elara shook her head. " No, I don't need a doctor. I'm fine; maybe I just feel dizzy because I lack proper sleep time. I just need to rest, that's all. " She said while her hand was on her head. But Jack wasn't convinced. He carefully walked her towards their staff room and made her sit on the chair. Elara was about to protest, but Jack glared at her. "No, I am going to talk to our boss and ask for your leave," he said in a severe tone, making her eyes widen. No, she can't take a leave, she needed money. " W-what? No? Jack, I told you I'm fine. " She insisted and got up, but her head spin, and she fell unconscious in Jack’s arm. “Elara! Elara!”

Chapter 6 Chapter 6

Jack sent Elara home and called her best friend and a doctor; the news they received was shocking to them; they knew Elara; she wasn’t the type of girl to sleep around. Elara was sitting at the edge of her bed while hugging her knees and sobbing quietly. While Mia is comforting her. ”Please don’t cry, Elara. It's not good for your health. tell me, how did this happen.? " Mia asked, totally confused and shocked by what she had heard. Mia has never seen Elara with a guy; she was a shy innocent virgin girl. She never had a boyfriend. So it was unexpected and shocking news for her. So how come she got pregnant? Mia was getting impatient, she said in a loud voice."Elara, stop crying and tell me how did it happen? As far as I know, I never saw you with a guy, and for God sake, Elara! You never had a boyfriend, so how come this thing happened?" Elara wiped her tears before facing her friend, still hugging her knees. "This is all your fault. "She said in a low voice. Elara just glared at her friend. Elara took a deep breath before she started to explain it to her friend. She explained everything about what happened at the club except how they made the baby. She also explained what happened to her last week after she talked to Liam outside the restaurant. After explaining everything to her friend, Mia was left shocked, with her eyes widened. Elara wiped her tears and pouted cutely to her friend, who was still in shock. "Now you know, this is all your fault. If only you haven't dragged me at that club and made me drunk, this wouldn't have happened to me. She raised her voice, bursting into tears. Mia blinked a few times to process everything in her mind. She sighed and went closer to Elara, who was crying. She sat next to her, caressing her back. "Hey... I'm so sorry, Elara. If only I knew everything would end up like this, I wouldn't have forced you to come with me. " She said as she felt guilty. "You're right; this is all my fault. " She said in a low voice. She knew how much Elara worked hard to earn money to support her family, but this thing happened to her friend because of what she did. But now she was crying because of a mistake she made. She wiped her tears and looked at her friend with her swollen red eyes. She shook her head and gave her a small smile. "Look at me. I am hopeless now, Mia. Now I have a reason to stop working because I'm pregnant. But I can't because they need my support. You know that, right? " Mia nodded and hugged her tight, making her burst into tears again. "Shhh.. it will be all right. I am here, Elara. I will help you get through this; at least, this is all I can do to help you. And I'll make sure you won't face this problem alone. " =========================== In Crownfield Company Driving through the busy streets, Liam made his way toward the company; as he reached the company building, he parked his car in a private area and sauntered toward the entrance. As he got near his office, but he abruptly stopped. “What the hell they are doing here,” He thought and made a U-turn and was about to walk. “Mr Liam own stop were you are, my son” Liam signs and walked toward them. “Good morning, Mom and Dad. Is it something special today? You, too, blessed me with your presence .” His dad shook his head and spoke, “ Let go in your office and talk, son.”“ok fine, let's go “ he walked into his office, followed by his parents. Understand him he loved his parents, but some times they are too annoying. ------ “no way, dad, I am not doing an arranged marriage, “how can you say that it’s for my good? Dad, you can’t force me to marry someone. “We are not forcing you, son. We are giving you options; you know, after your marriage, we have to think about your sister too dear.’ “and it's up to get a bride as soon as possible, or I will set up in an arranged marriage”, his mom threatened him. Liam gazed at her in disbelief , He threw his briefcase in anger. 2 thousand years later Liam was busy. He read some paper works and typed some report that he had to finish before the month ended. .He was so focused on his work when his secretary knocked on his door and went inside his office with a few folders in his arms. Liam sighed with exhaustion as he stared at his secretary, walking closer to him. "What is that? " He said, pointing at the folders in his arms. "This is from the vice president of production and administration, Mr Owen. His secretary said that they need your signature before they passed it to the Board of Directors. " He said and put the folders on the desk. Liam read the reports before signing them. After signing it, he handed it to his secretary and told him to leave. But before his secretary left the office, he turned around and said. "Mr Owen, someone wants to talk to you. She said it's urgent. " Liam stopped writing and looked at his secretary. "She? " His secretary nodded. "Yes, Mr Owen. It's a she. ""Tell her to f*CK off. " He said coldly and turned his attention to his laptop. "Yes, Mr Owen. " After a few minutes, his secretary came back again, making him frown. "She won't leave Mr Owen. She said it's crucial, and she needs to talk to you personally. " Liam rolled his eyes and nodded his head. "Let her in. " His secretary nodded. After a few seconds, his secretary came back with a gorgeous familiar woman. His eyes widen when he saw it's her. What the f*CK does she wants from me now? "I will be outside, Mr Owen; call me if you need anything, sir. " When the door closed, he looked at her with a severe face. He noticed that she's a bit nervous. But he had to admit; she was beautiful and sexy. Indeed gorgeous. But it's not the right time to compliment this woman in front of him. He knew she came here because she needed something from him. He cleared his throat before he started the conversation. "You're the woman at the restaurant, right? " She nodded innocently, making him curse in his mind at how cute and innocent her gestures were, and it's testing him. "What do you want? " He said in a cold tone. "I-I have an important m-matter to discuss w-with you. " He raised his eyebrow; he knew it! She needed something else from him. And he never got the wrong idea. This woman was the same. "And what is it? Come on, tell me, miss. I have essential things to do than to talk to you. " He saw pain crossed her eyes, and it made him worried, and he immediately regretted what he said. "Tell me what it is. " She took a deep breath. "I-I'm... ""You're what? " She gulped hard. Oh, come on, Elara! Say it! "Come on, say it! You're wasting my time! " This time he raised his voice, making her flinched. "I'm pregnant, and you're the father. "