"That woman has a sharp tongue," I complained to Jack about Miss Rosi, when we were alone in the elevator, heading to my office, "she's not even afraid to voice out her opinion."

"I'm surprised you haven't fired her yet," he turned to me briefly, "she mistook you for a driver, took your book, and broke the digital passcode lock. And it all happened in one day."

"I'm surprised about it either," I raised an eyebrow at him, "I have little patience for reckless employees, but her... I find her actions very amusing."

"Well, you had a funny way of showing your amusement. You threw a forty-five year old woman into the pool."

"Do you believe she's forty five?"

"Well, I haven't seen her face clearly in person, do you want me to do a background investigation?"

"No, there's no need. She's the sister of our finance officer, she can be trusted."

I arrived in my office, and settled on my seat. It did not take two minutes when my father, Pablo Stavrakos, entered my office. At sixty two, he still looked younger than his age. Hair always dyed in black and his dark suit, crisp without creases.

"I'm glad you're back, my son," he strode inside, then settled in an armchair across my desk, "but I admit I was disappointed. You focused on that AR-VR project way too much, than our other businesses."

"I don't need to be physically present to run a business, dad. I know my obligations and I can work wherever I am, using technology," I answered, leaning my elbows on the table, and clasping my hands together.

"Of course you do."

"The AR-VR project is now ready for beta testing. We're done with the crucial part, so I don't need to be there. Our software engineers can take care of any minor issues."

"I'm glad to hear that. I know it's going to be another success. You will make a name in history, by changing the future with your innovations," he said proudly, "you never failed me son."

You never failed me, son. The words rang in my ears.

Son. My son. He never addressed me by my name. Never. Sometimes I wonder if he was referring to me, or to his other son.

I remember clearly that snowy night, it happened nine years ago. I was sitting at the back of the ambulance, a medic took care of my wounds.

Dad arrived at the accident scene, looking so frantic. It felt like everything was in slow motion, like watching a horror movie. But it was not, it was so real.

He cried so hard, as he saw the burned bodies of my mother and older brother, Anton.

The words that came out from my father's mouth marked in my brain.

"Why does it have to be you, Anton! Why not your useless, idiotic, rebellious brother!"

Either, he thought I never heard, or he pretended he never said it.

It hurt like hell. Your own father wishing that you died instead of your worthy and responsible brother.

Anton, my older brother, was always the perfect one. Dad's favorite and pride to his friends. He grew up meeting all the expectations my father had to run the business. A constant achiever in school, articulate in speaking, overly confident, good interpersonal skills and focus on business. He had all it takes to be the next heir of the Stavrakos businesses and fortune.

While I was my mother's favorite. I love anything about art. I was slow in school and did not care about the business. Everytime dad saw me, he scolded me and questioned my existence in the family. Hurtful words that could ruin a child's sanity. I became delinquent, rebellious and a pain in the ass. I enjoyed provoking my father. At least, he noticed me.

The accident changed me. Everynight, I could not sleep, the survivor's guilt eating my gut slowly.

To make up for the loss, and to give me peace of mind, I tried to be the best son for my father. To be like Anton.

It was almost the time of the year again. The night when the accident happened. But never did he mention it, like he blocked it out of his mind.

"I'm leaving for India next week," Dad announced.

"I thought we already closed the dam project," I glanced at him briefly, then took the pile of documents on my desk.

"I'm going for a vacation, probably three weeks, or maybe a month."

I put down the documents and leaned my back against my high-back chair. In fact, I was surprised because vacation was not included in our vocabulary. We never took a vacation because of too much work to do for the company.

"Good for you. You need that after all the hard work you did in building the company."

"Ahh, but you're the one who made it grow ten folds. Kudos to you, my son."

"Are you bringing the whole entourage?" I asked, referring to his personal assistant, executive secretary, driver, French Chef, and ten bodyguards.

"Of course," he admitted, "but I'm leaving my executive secretary to you. You need her when you work on my pending projects."

The classy and sophisticated Miss Vega. For him, she's perfect in his eyes. It's common knowledge that Dad hired her, not because of her credentials, but she was the childhood sweetheart of Anton.

"Just bring her along, I'm sure she also needs the vacation. She can turn over her job to Mr. Penn."

He waved his hand, dismissing my suggestion, "no... it's also time for you to get acquainted with Ramona. She's family to us. Make some effort."

"Okay, Dad. I will."

There was no reason to argue. I always say yes to my father. Pleasing him lessens the guilt.

________

The rest of the morning, I was busy preceding the board meeting. It was chaotic when the board members disagreed with each other. I had to stand up to what I believe was more beneficial for the company, regardless of who disagreed with my decision.

The meeting ended and I was left alone in the conference room when Miss Vega arrived and talked to me.

"Kristov."

I gave her a black layered look, "it's Mr. Stavrakos. I don't tolerate any of my staff calling me by my first name."

Miss Vega stiffened, "but we used to call each other by our first names."

"We were kids at that time. Now, you're my employee. Address me appropriately."

"I'm sorry, Mr. Stavrakos. I'll keep that in mind, especially when I start working with you."

"Actually, Miss Vega, you can take a vacation too, all expenses paid. My executive secretary will take care of your job."

"Very tempting," she smiled a little, "but I don't want to disappoint your father. Whether you like it or not, you're stuck with me for a month."

She turned away without waiting for a reply. Her hips swayed provocatively. I wondered if she did it on purpose.

I heard the helicopter at midnight, the beast had arrived. I could not forgive him for throwing me into that giant pool. What kind of person would do that?

He's insane! He's ruthless and savage. Now I know why Calliope called him dangerous. He's capable of doing impulsive crazy things.

I remember, I went out of the pool this morning, drenched like a wet puppy. My makeup was totally gone.

"Don't worry, Hector has poor eyesight. He won't notice your bare face," Calliope whispered after giving me the towel.

"Thank God," I sighed with relief, "I have to change, I'm so cold."

Calliope was very supportive, making sure that I covered my face on my way to the servant's hall. Despite her being so strict, she could be a very caring friend.

I told her what happened, and she was so surpised.

"You should be extra careful next time. You're very lucky that Mr. Stavrakos did not fire you,"

"I know. But he's crazy, throwing me from the balcony. I could have gotten myself injured!"

But still she defended him, "but nothing happened to you, you're still in one piece. I'm sure he was very careful also, he wouldn't do anything to harm you."

"How sure are you? That man could have broken my bones! You're right, he has a dangerous mind and can't be trusted."

She shook her head, siding her devil employer.

-----

The following morning, I woke up so early. I opened the windows and stared at the beautiful sight of the river. I was so mesmerized at the stunning scenery that I did not notice the man jogging beside the lake.

It was Kristov Stavrakos.

I got startled when he stopped, then turned to me. My eyes grew big, and I hid immediately.

Oh no, did he see me?

I hope not. I sank on the floor, worried because I had my chestnut brown hair loose, and my face bare of makeup.

____

Hello Dreamers!

I hope you enjoy the update. Now we know a little of Kristov's back story, so we understand him little by little.

While Pia here is still so upset of Kristov. Well, she has every reason to be. I would too.

So here's my playlist for tonight, hope you'll enjoy listening to it.

Fake Love by BTS

Halo by Beyoncé

Got To Believe in Magic

Boy with Luv by BTS

Goodnight everyone. Sweet dreams, mwah!

Love,

Neilani