"That's when I first learned that it wasn't enough to just do your job, you had to have an interest in it, even a passion for it." ― Charles Bukowski

I watched her back with all smiles as she ambled through the aisles to the washroom at the very back of the room. From where I sat, I can't make out her physique as soon as she enters the hallway heading to her destination.

I smiled when I remembered how her face disgruntled as soon as the dresses splayed across the bed. Most of them were turtle necks and long, just as I firmly ordered my secretary, Kara, to pick up. She grumbled multiple times as she picks the black one and a satisfied smile broke out on my lips when she pulled it on her. The dress drape around her body sexily, though it looks plain and covered almost all her skin, it didn't lessen her hotness. For me, whatever she wears is like calling me, fuck me.

Damn, my brains are clogged with testosterone. What's happening to me?

My eyes darted back to the back where she disappeared. The arrival of the waiter with our food drags my attentions to her and watch her as she places the food on our table with a grace.

When she looks satisfied with her job, she straightened up and gave me a warm smile as she spoke. "Let me know if you need anything," then she took our empty glass. "Would you want some more?" she asked after.

"Sure," I nodded and she turns and walks away. My eyes traveled back to where Vicky's disappears and then I saw her coming. She looks radiant as she trudges towards my direction. Her smiles were too infectious. I found myself smiling as I watch her in a slow motion, like in the movie, approaching me. God, I want to kiss her again and again.

I'm itching to drag her to the washroom and ravish her inside, but I thought I'd do that later after we eat. The people in the restaurant seemed to decrease much to my relief.

"I'm sorry," she settles back to the seat she vacated then look down at her plate filled with her stead sandwich cut in half and fries. She flashed me a smile and pick one piece of the sandwich and took a bite. I started eating mine. Placing the buffalo chicken wrap to my mouth, I enthusiastically took a bite. It tastes good.

"Delicious," she purred as she made another bite, then another until all the food on her plate were cleaned up.

"The chicken buffalo wrap is good, too," I smiled as I was about to put the last bite in my mouth when she interrupted me.

"Can I try?" she asked. Her eyes drooling as she stared at the small piece of wrap in my hand.

I smiled and instead of popping it into my mouth, I leaned over to her and fed her the last bite of my chicken wrap. Her appetite sure is big. I lick the sauce that drips in my thumb and she smiled as she chewed on the food. Her eyes twinkling with happiness and I felt a warm feeling clothed my whole being. Feeling contented as I watch her merrily enjoyed the last bite of my food.

"That was delicious," she said as soon as she swallowed it all and then grab her drink and made a long sip. "I should try that next time," she smiled and I agreed.

"What do you want to do after lunch?" I asked.

She finishes her drink before she responded. "Maybe we can go to the amu-" her words cut through with her phone ringing.

She held her pointer finger up motioning me to give her a second as she scans through her purse and then pulled out her phone after a seemingly long minute. By the time she fishes it out, the call ended. She looks at the screen and then shrugged her shoulder. She was about to stuff it back in her purse when it rang again.

"I'm sorry," she mouth at me as she connected it.

"Hello?" she started, her eyes looking at her empty plate. She was quiet for a second, her eyebrows furrowing.

"Sure, dad," she mumbles, darting her eyes to me slowly, looking apologetic.

I just watch her conversing to her father, my curiosity increases by the second. The look on her face shows something is not right.

"Alright, dad. I can come home as soon as Xandrous' pays the bills," she said and I nodded. I flagged down my hand to our server who happens to just standing by at the bar counter.

I paid our bills. As soon as I paid it, she hangs up the phone. She stood up and thank the server and I followed her. We both left the restaurant to my car in the back of the building.

"I'm sorry," she muttered softly as we walk side by side to my car.

"Is there any problem?" I asked. She looks anxious.

"Dad just want to talk to me. He said it's important," she sighs. My car automatically unlocks as soon as the sensor is within range with the key. I opened the door for her and she slid in. I close it as soon as she settled in and I rounded the car to the driver seat.

Thinking that she's going home and I will be separated with her made my heart heavy. Pressing the ignition button, the car starts smoothly and I drove off, heading to the Pallos' mansion.

..........................

Dad looks anxious as he waited for me in his study. His brows knitted, his eyebags under his eyes were prominent as he frowns at oblivion. He was too zoned out that he didn't notice me walk in.

"Hi, dad," I said and his head snapped up in my direction. He smiled as he stood up and meet me halfway across the room. He stops and then scans me up and down first. I know he was surprised to see me in my outfit. Not my typical look every day which they are used to.

I rolled my eyes and he caught me. "Well, you look fascinating rather gorgeous with this dress," he commented, amused.

"Really, dad? Not you, too!" I whined and he chuckled as he shook his head. He gave me a brief hug then kiss my cheeks briefly before motioning me to sit. "How's the lunch?" he asked as he rounded his table and sat on his favorite chair behind his table.

"Good," I responded briefly. He rested his elbows on his desk as he leaned forward. His eyes scan my face, he looks so proud as he gazes at me. I smiled.

"Dad?" calling for his attention and he blinks his eyes before flashing me another smile, leaning back against his brown chair.

"I'm sorry to interrupt your lunch date with Xandrous," dad started. He clasps both hands on his lap. "I've been thinking about this lately, I just don't have the guts to tell you yet since I know you're enjoying your career yet, but I really needed your help and I think it would best fit you the job," dad continued on. My forehead furrowed as he goes on, his words sinking in my confused brain. "The PP Vice President of Hotel Marketing and Public Relations, Hagen Gallo died of cardiac arrest a few days ago," shocked is an understatement as I gawk at dad, feeling deep sorry for the family of the poor old man. He's a nice guy.

"Oh, that's terrible," I muttered softly.

"Yes, it is terrible," dad agreed softly. "Anyhow, Nick and I agreed to give you the job. He trusts your potential and I saw it in you as well. I thought you would excel in this department and I don't need to go through a lot of interviews to find a suitable one when I know in my heart, I have the right candidate and you are my daughter. I'm pretty sure, it runs in our blood," dad looks decided as he proudly said those words.

"What about my modeling career?" I spewed out my thoughts before I would know it and dad stared at me nonchalantly.

"I already talk to the Vogue director. You will be doing your last shoot in the comings days and then you're bailed out. I can also pay whatever charges if ever they will sue you for breaching the contract," he said. I knew he will, and I'm sure the Vogue Director has nothing to say. She's talking to Demetrio Pallos, a very well-known hotelier around the globe.

The last time I talk to her, she was mesmerized by the thoughts that I was a daughter of him and I often get a special treatment from her causing the other girls to be mean to me, which I don't really give a shit since I can defend myself against anyone.

Sometimes, I even thought she hired me because I'm a Pallos, not because I deserved it.

"I know you will enjoy this job, princess. Try it," dad said in almost a pleading voice as he leans forward, on his table. His eyes staring at me expectantly and I thought, it's time to prove to them that I can be a good daughter and they can be proud of me. It's time to make up for all the troubles I've caused them.

"Fine dad," I said, nodding my head and his eyes lit up. He excitedly bolted upright and stalked towards me. Pulling me into his arms and hugs me happily. "Thank you, princess. I'm so happy and I'm sure your mom will be so excited if she learns about it," dad exclaimed as he releases me.

"When am I going to start? And how am I going to learn all the stuff I need to learn?" I asked dad. Now the reality kicks in, and everything sunk in my head.

I'm in a deep shit. How am I going to learn to do all the stuff a Vice President of Press relations does? I mean, I'm a designer, not a marketer.

Oh, dear heavens. It just dawns on me how much volume of works just handed to me and I'm starting to feel lightheaded with the overwhelming fear to fail.

"You will be working with marketing managers and executive staff to define and execute our overall public relations," dad said eyeing me as he reluctantly continued on. I know he was trying to drop me pieces of information little by little so as not to overwhelms me. "Mr. Ludwinsky, the PR Director, will be guiding you. We already talked," he said.

I just nodded as I swallowed hard. My head starting to spins as I process all the words. "I'm sure you'll do well, princess. You can use your charm here," dad said and he sounded so easy.

Does he think when I smile to everyone in the room would solve any case?

Dad thinks I'm still a seven years old girl. Hmp!

I have to work closely with the creative team on developing effective sales & marketing collateral, well I heard from Elle before when she was talking with Nicolai about hotel management. I wish I sat with them and listens as they talk about hotel management.

"I think you need rest to digest all of these, princess," dad taps me on the shoulder softly and I unconsciously nodded. Dad led me out and walk with me across the hall. We met mom along the way and she looks worried when she saw me.

"What happened?" she narrowed our gap in haste and scans my face, her palm touches my forehead. "Your temperature is fine, but you look ill," mom commented. "Are you alright, honey?" her sweet voice brought my attention to her.

"Yes, mom," I responded shortly.

"What happened?" she asked, shifting her eyes to dad, then back to me.

"I already told her about the VP vacancy and she accepted it," dad announced enthusiastically, making me feel all the more lightheaded.

"I think I'm gonna need a nap," I told them both and mom reluctantly nodded her head. When I walk away, I heard mom scolding dad, but dad just ignored it. I trudge up the staircase and mom's giggles faded as I turned to the right hallway and sauntered series of rooms, then to my room.

Shutting the door behind me, I chuck my purse on the chest entry table near the door and then walk towards my bed. I drop my body onto my soft mattress and let out a loud sighed.

I kick my shoes off and grunted as I pushed myself in the middle of the bed and curled. Vice President?

I know it's going to be a challenging job and a big responsibility.

Am I ready to ditch what I really like to do? I want to design the most beautiful dress in the fashion industry. I want to be the next Valentino, Versace, or Chanel, but I want my dad to be proud of me, too. And only to achieve that is to grab the job he handed me.

If only Elle is here. I'm sure she'll get the job and outdone it. She's smart and always outdone everything handed it to her. I missed her and again, I'm feeling guilty again.

I harshly shook my head, trying to shook the sad memories off and shut my eyes tighter. The face of Elle crying that night when we all barge in the room where Nicolai was sleeping with her on her tiniest sleeping gown, had my heart twisting again with guilt. Her face looking embarrassed, eyes damped with tears as she shook her head furiously, denying what we just witnessed before she collapses when she can't bear anymore the shame, flashes in my head and everything is as fresh as yesterday, making me feel all guilty.

"I'm sorry," I mumbled under my breath, a lone tear escaped my eyes as I squeeze my eyes tighter. I know, for as long as I won't personally apologize to her, and make it up to her, I will be carrying this guilt forever. I will never have a peace of mind whenever I remember her.

As I tried to sleep, my phone rang. I dragged my body out of the bed and walked towards the entry table and rummaged through the purse. It was big for my taste, but I have no choice but to use it, otherwise, I will be walking empty handed. There's nothing in the purse, other than a lipgloss which was also picked by Xandrous' secretary, my phone, a pair of underwear which I didn't notice Xandrous' sneaked it inside my purse before we left.

I just noticed it when I was about to retrieve the lipgloss and applied some more on my dry lips.

"Just to make sure we have an extra in case it gets messy!"

The words made me chuckled as I pulled my phone out and connected the call without bothering to look at the caller.

"Hello,"

"Hi, it's Deshawn,"

My mind suddenly froze when I realized I promised to tell him my decision the next day and it's passed three days.

I'm not sure what will he reacts when I tell him I can't go.

"You need a diversion so you can forget Xandrous," dad's voice rang in my head and maybe I could use it to get a break from all this drama in my life, but could I do it without missing him so much?

Will it bring good to our relationship? Will it make any difference if I leave for a while and relax in Australia while faking a relationship with Deshawn, which means deceiving his family as well?

"Hey, Deshawn. How are you doing?" I responded casually after a lengthy paused, unable to decided how am I going to sound casual and what to say.

"It's all good here. How are you?" he asked.

"I'm fine, just a little family drama, other than that, It's all good," I smiled as I walked towards my bed, after placing my purse back on the entry table.

"Family drama is inevitable," he chuckles and I agreed.

"What's up?" I asked, almost hitting myself for asking it. I'm not prepared for his response.

"I was wondering if what's your decision?" he asked and I fell into silence.

...........................

A/N: I'm sorry guys, this is all I could write now. My eyelids are heavy and my vision is unsteady. I could barely read the letters now. If I mixed up names again, please let me know, or I'm missing words, just highlight it and left it in the comment box. Thank you and have a good night or day.