Oh no!

The loud ringing sound of my phone was deafening. It echoed inside the study room.

Mr. Stavrakos turned to me, his gray eyes instantly met my brown eyes. Questioning. Accusing. Or probably angry. Because that's what his expression tells all the time.

I bit my lower lip, trying to think of a reason. I am so busted now.

"You have her phone!" he shouted before I could come up with another lie.

"Um... no-no," I shook my head vigorously, then muted my phone, "its... it's an alarm for my hypertensive meds, sir," my face burned, as I forced a smile at him.

He grunted irritably.

"Damn it, she's not picking her phone again," he muttered looking at his phone, then turned to me, "when was the last time you talked to her?"

"Um... this morning sir, before she... before she went to work."

"So she really ignored my calls!" he twisted his lips, not liking the idea, "you should teach your niece proper phone etiquette, Miss Rosi. It's rude to ignore someone's call... and too many times."

"I will, sir," I said, my head bent, looking at the floor.

Proper phone etiquette, huh? Like I'm a moron, who has no manners and right conduct.

If you only knew, you dumbass! I LOST MY PHONE! And I could have answered you now, if you did not call in front of me.

"Tell her, if she doesn't want to go out with me, then fine! That's not a problem. I don't force myself on any woman," he bursted, "all she has to do is tell me straight."

I already did! Loud and clear, on the balcony last Saturday night, remember? I wanted to shout at him.

"I'll tell her, sir."

"Good. I'll wait for her call tonight."

My eyes grew big, "huh?"

"Yes, tell her to call me. If she won't..." he heaved a sigh, "then I have no choice but to call her father. I'll inform him that his daughter needs a seminar in proper phone etiquette, or better yet, a whole program of personality development!"

He's being rude and savage again. This asshole is getting on my nerves.

I rolled my eyes, disgusted at this ill-mannered arrogant beast. He should be the one taking up a course, not me! He's the one with a rotten personality!

"Why are you rolling your eyes, Miss Rosi?"

My eyes bulged, "huh?"

"I saw you rolled your eyes. Are you contradicting me?"

"Um..." I forced a smile and a calm voice, "my niece is a very fine and well-mannered lady. She may not be educated in a private school, but her parents made sure to bring her up with right manners and good values in life. I know her so well, I helped her mom in bringing her up to be a very decent lady."

"You?" he chuckled, "I saw you at the guardhouse when I arrived, Miss Rosi. You were flirting with the guard!"

My mouth dropped open. This man is not just a beast, but Satan! He's now accusing me of flirting.

"I was not, sir."

"Then tell me, what are you doing in the guardhouse? Give me a valid reason."

"I... I was walking the dog."

"An invisible dog? I swear, I haven't seen a dog, Miss Rosi," he grimaced in distaste.

Darn it! He's right, I did not bring Snow.

I frowned, unsure how to answer.

"I... I... I need exercise sir, for my... blood pressure," I felt a hot flush spread across my cheeks, "I just said hello to Cameron... I mean, the guard."

"That's it?"

I nodded, "that's it, sir."

His mouth twisted into a threat. He was obviously not convinced of my explanation, "may I remind you, Miss Rosi, of your duties and responsibilities here in the mansion. The last thing I expect from you is to create issues in my household."

Oh shit! My temper flared instantly. How dare he? He thinks I'm a moron who doesn't understand what he meant?

I looked at him with dagger eyes, but still kept a mild tone of my voice.

"I don't contemplate getting involved with a younger man, sir, if that's your concern. Rest assured, that I don't have any intention of getting into a relationship with ANY MAN here in the mansion either. That's the last thing in my mind."

His mouth was tight and grim, then said, "you're dismissed, Miss Rosi. And don't forget to tell your niece to call me tonight."

You wish! You can call dad, and tell him whatever you want, I don't care.

I went out of the study room, feeling so maddeningly furious. What a very disgusting man! Truly an arrogant, cold and ruthless beast!

Still in rage, I went to see Jean, who was lounging in the garden.

"Aren't you going to prepare dinner for the master?"

"He's full, he won't be eating dinner anymore. Jack informed me that Mr. Stavrakos met his grandma at around four, and they had a huge snack in an Italian restaurant."

I exhaled a sigh of relief. Thank goodness, I won't be seeing the beast anymore tonight.

At nine in the evening, I already took a quick shower, changed into my favorite yellow pajamas, and combed my long hair in front of the vanity table.

I was waiting for Kimberly to call, she said she would at nine, to talk about her impression on Cameron.

My phone beeped, a notification from Instagram, one of the influencers I followed went Live. PASS. I murmured, and continued combing my hair.

My thoughts shifted to Kristov Stavrakos.

I let out a frustrated sigh. That beast has been giving me stress since I met him. And now, I'm so bothered. Should I call him or not?

I shook my head. I already made up my mind earlier that I won't. So, I WON'T!

I tossed my phone on the bed, forgetting any thoughts of the beast. When my phone rang.

I laid on my bed, and answered the phone without looking at the caller ID.

"Tell me about Cameron," I greeted Kimberly, with a giggle.

There was a pause, then a familiar deep voice answered.

"Cameron, the gate guard? So that's why your aunt was talking to him, she's playing matchmaker!" Kristov Stavrakos bursted at the other line.

"Oh...no-no, I... um... I got so busy with work... and my boss was giving me a hard time," I stuttered, sweat running down my spine, "actually, I was about to call you...si... I mean, Kristov."

I heard him sighed, then he said, "say it again."

"Huh?"

"My name," his temper seemed to subside.

"Kristov?"

"Yeah. The way you say it, it's like foreign to me."

"Oh... okay," I let out a fake chuckle.

Creep. I rolled my eyes.

"I forgive you, no hard feelings," he heaved a sigh, "I meant what I said, that I want to go out with you."

"Um..."

"Pia?"

"I also meant what I said," forcing the words out of my mouth, "that I don't date a guy like you."

There was silence. A long silence.

"Um.. are you still there?"

"Yeah... yeah, I'm here," he sighed, "tell me, why? Are you allergic to rich people? Or you just don't want to date me in particular."

"Both."

"I don't understand. What is it in me that you don't like?"

I sighed, "everything. You're just not my type. I'm sorry. I can't force myself into you."

"You don't know the real me. If you'll give me a chance to date you, I'll show you that I can be the man that you want."

"Sorry, Mr. Stavrakos, I don't really date," I heaved a sigh, "so please, I had a long day, and I'm very sleepy already. Goodnight."

After we hung up the phone, I was on bed, tossing and rolling.

Who am I kidding? Kristov Stavrakos is a very gorgeous striking man. He's so beautiful, any woman would drool at him.

Yeah, he gives butterflies in my tummy, and all that... but I could not date him or any other guy.

I looked at the picture frame beside my bed, and stared at the handsome brown-haired guy. My heart instantly felt heavy, I swallowed a sob.

"Goodnight, Jacob," I said, then I turned off the lights.

___

Hey Dreamers!

How's everyone? I hope you enjoyed the update.

Also, let's see, if Kristov takes Pia's rejection easily, or his super huge ego got hurt?

What about Cameron? Will he be just a friend to Pia, or turn his attention to her best friend? What do you think?

That's it for today, see you on Saturday! Mwah!

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Your favorite Pia and Kristov scene ___

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I love you all!

Lovelots,

Neilani

Kristov is really upset right now, do you want to write him an encouraging letter?

Dear Kristov,