"Congratulations Mr. CEO!"

I stopped walking when Ram suddenly jumped on me while I was heading towards my office.

"Get off," I pushed him away making him laugh as we entered the door. When we got inside, I placed my bag on my desk and took off my coat.

"I heard your Dad's handed you down the business." Ram sat on a chair in front of me while sipping some coffee. I had no idea where'd he got it from.

"Yeah, he's been wanting to retire for a long time." I opened the documents Lucy left at my table this morning. "How long will you be staying in England?" I asked Ram.

"I leave next week, and about that, why don't you come back to the States with me?" He asked casually. He's been asking me this for so long and I always turned the offer down. I had no business in the States.

"No thanks."

"How come." Ram complained.

"I'm busy," I pointed to the papers I had on my desk. They were all project proposals and business reports.

"Bro, you're the CEO, you can make your own schedule, besides our batch is having a reunion at the end of the month, did Aicko send you an invitation?"

I shook my head.

I did receive an invitation, but I declined it, I didn't have it in me to come home. And if I were to attend the reunion that would mean having to see all my batchmates. Including her.

"Well consider me inviting you, what do you say?" Ram stayed annoyingly consistent.

"Still no."

"Fine suit yourself." Ram raised his hands in surrender making me chuckle. "But just so you know I'm sure Paige would be there."

"So?" I said coldly and flipped through my documents.

"Since when were you the cold type?" Ram laughed. "Well since you aren't asking, just so you know she's doing well."

Paige.

I constantly wondered how she was doing, Lucy kept updating me on her status and her runway shows. She was definitely making a name for herself out there. She's been rising to fame these past few years. She looked happy. That was enough for me.

"I don't care."

"Whatever you say Blake, I'll just pretend that I believe you." Ram laughed.

I rolled my eyes and continued minding my documents while Ram continued teasing me like an idiot.

"Excuse me, Sir?" Lucy entered the door.

"Hey Luce!" Ram waved at her.

"Your highness." She bowed.

"What is it Lucy?" I asked.

"Your father wishes to see you in his office." I nodded and fixed the papers on my desk. "Is that all?"

"Oh and here's the hard copy of the report you requested, and this is the contract from the Canadian investors." She placed another load of papers on my desk.

I scanned the papers. "Alright, thanks."

She nodded and bowed at Ram once again before leaving.

When she left, Ram turned to me.

"Why does she still call you Sir?"

I shrugged. "I kept telling her not to but she never listens so I just roll with it." I stood up and wore my coat. "My Dad's waiting for me, will you be staying here?" I asked him.

"Nah, I have a scheduled dinner with my dear relatives." He checked his watch.

"Good luck." I laughed. "Not everyone gets to have dinner with England's royal family."

"Well not everyone has a best friend who's the Prince of Egypt." He smirked.

"Whatever." I patted his back and we walked out of my office. Ram went to leave the building while I headed to my father.

When I got to the front of his office, his secretary showed me in. When I got inside, boxes were piled up and the cabinets had white sheets covering them. It was obvious that Dad was moving out. He's decided to retire and to leave our whole business empire into my hands.

I wasn't sure if I was ready for it, but this is what I've been training for my whole life. This was what my father's been training me for my whole life. And he thought I was ready.

"Blake," Dad acknowledged me.

He was sitting on his desk and beckoned me closer.

My relationship with Dad wasn't all warm and sunshine. He was hard on me. Indeed he was strict, he kept scolding me through out the years, making me live up to his expectations. He was the reason I had to leave home and come here in the first place. Back then I felt the urge of crying every night. But I kept myself composed.

I missed home, I missed my friends. But most of all, I felt like the world was against me. I've became a monster and a cheater in the eyes of the person I loved.

Words and insults were thrown at me, Both from my father and from her. When I tried to speak, I was never heard. Nobody cared about my side. Nobody listened. So I left home, followed Dad and allowed him to control my every decision. I followed all his orders and all of it numbed me from the pain and anger I had from the past.

Now my father wasn't as strict as he was before. When I did my best in school and in work, he started becoming lighter on me. Now he handed me his position as CEO. The way his brows don't furrow anymore at my performance and the way he pats me on the back might mean that he's become proud of me.

"What is it Dad?" I sat on the chair in front of him.

"You remember our latest project? The Diamond hotel at Los Angeles?"

I tried to recall, "Yes, apparently I do."

Dad nodded. "Well it's opening is this weekend and the CEO must be present." He turned to me. "You should be present."

My brows furrowed. "With all due respect Dad, I've got a full schedule for this weekend, I have a board meeting with our international group and we've been preparing for the arrival of the Canadian investors."

"Those plans aren't as big as our hotel's grand opening, You can leave your work here in the hands of your Secretary, she's pretty competent."

"But-"

"So you better pack up your things, and come back to the States with me," He eyed me. "It won't be a long stay, Our business empire needs to see your first step as the big boss."

I strained myself from talking back. Dad was always like this, he decides whatever feels good for him, he doesn't take into consent others opinions...feelings.

"And your mother and sisters want you back home as well." He eyed the picture frame on his desk that had our family picture.

I went silent.

"So," Dad turned to me. "Do you have any questions?"

I sighed before facing him, "None."

"Then get your things ready," He ordered, "We leave the day after tomorrow."

I nodded and left his office before walking back into mine.

I sat on my swivel chair to think. Going back to the States didn't sit in well with me but I didn't have much of an option.

So it's settled then... I'll have to face her.

"Sir," Lucy entered my office holding new loads of papers. "I've got the business plan ready for the board meeting this weekend."

"Change of plans Luce, I won't be here for a few weeks, you take care of the meetings for the mean time."

She seemed taken aback. "N-no problem Sir, I'll take care of everything while you're gone,"

"Good." I nodded and closed my laptop. I placed it in my briefcase. I had to tell Ram about the change of plans as well.

"Uhm... Sir if you don't mind me asking, where are you going to?" Lucy asked as she held her clipboard.

I wore my coat and faced her. "Home."

_______________________

"Blakey!"

I was greeted by my sisters' shouts the second I entered the mansion.

I formed a small smile when Billy, Bobby, and Becca pulled me into a hug. Mom even joined them to squeeze me.

"Ok that's enough, it's good to see you too." I pulled away from their hugs.

"Aww you used to love hugs." Mom sighed.

"Jeez, what am I four?"

They laughed and led me into the kitchen.

I loved seeing my mother and sisters again. Although they do see me quite often. They'd always make quick visits to England to see me and Dad. And during the holidays, they'd make me come home for a few days.

"So, you're our new CEO." Becca, my eldest sister asked.

"Apparently so." I nodded.

Mom smiled. "You just make me so proud."

"He sure is ready for that title." Dad nodded approvingly.

I managed a small smile and went back to minding my food.

"Well as a newly appointed CEO, I have a proposal." Becca said. "Why don't you stop by my company and work with me for the mean time you're here?"

"That's a great idea, Your sister would get to give you a lot of tips." Mom said.

Dad agreed.

"He can also work with me at the cruise line." Bobby added. "As the fisherman."

"Can he be the part time skeleton at my hospital?" Billy joked.

I frowned as they laughed.

"You two, stop messing with your brother," Mom scolded but laughed as well.

God, I guess I really am the joy of this family.

___________________________

"Are you ready Sir?"

My driver asked.

I nodded and he started the car heading to the Diamond hotel.

Dad appointed me to attend our newest hotel's grand opening. I guess there wouldn't be any harm in attending.

All I needed to do was give out a speech and clink wine glasses with all the celebrities and socialites at the party. I was an expert at this.

As the car drove past the city, something in a building's billboard caught my eye.

It was her. She was in some dress that was nice but wouldn't compare to the smile she wore.

I wondered to myself.

Would I get to encounter her for my time being here?

Was I ready to face her after all these years?

"Pretty girl?" The driver asked.

I suddenly looked away and faced the driver. "I was just thinking about buying the clothing brand."

The driver just nodded looking unconvinced.

When I got to the hotel, a valet opened my door and I stepped out. The managers and other staff of the hotel greeted me as I entered. From the looks of it, the guests were already inside the event room.

"Sir, there's someone waiting for you in the office." The manager of the hotel told me.

"Who?" I raised my brow.

"Your girlfriend, I suppose?" He seemed confused.

I Immediately knew who he was pertaining to. I sighed and nodded as the manager led me to the hotel's office.

"Blake!"

I heard Gia's high-pitched voice greet me the second I entered the office. She then encircled her arms around me. "I'm So glad that you're here."

I looked away while she hugged me.

I didn't consider her as a friend but we were civil. Well at least I was, she on the other hand kept acting as if nothing happened. As if she didn't ruin anything at all.

Dad wanted us to be civil. Her fame and family were good friends with mine, Dad wouldn't allow me to cut ties with her.

Many people rumored that we were dating. I didn't care about the rumors or what people said. They ruined my life enough by taking away someone important from me.

What more can they take away now?

"They said you were looking for me?" I stepped away making her take her arms off me.

"Oh yeah, I just wanted to congratulate you and welcome you home." She smiled.

"Ok, thanks." I eyed my watch giving her the impression that I was late. "I have to head to the event."

"Wait." She walked closer to me and started fixing the collar of my black dress shirt. "You didn't bring a tie? It's ok, you look good even without one."

I moved away. I didn't have time for her arms to be around me. "You should go."

"Would you like us to go in together?" She pursed her lips and smiled.

"No." I immediately said before leaving the room.

She sighed and nodded. "I guess I'll go in now." She smiled and walked to the event room.

I stayed with the managers as they filled me in with the hotel's status.

"Sir, it's time for you to enter." The event planner signaled.

I nodded and strode towards the entrance doors.

I was about to hold the handle when suddenly the door swung open by itself.

The next thing a knew, someone hit me hard on the chest.

I was about to apologize when I came eye to eye with who it was. I immediately looked away.

What was she doing here? She must be really famous now that she was even invited to this event.

I wasn't sure on what I should say. Excuse me? or Can you move?

"Move." Was the only word that came out of my mouth. My voice suddenly sounded cold as I remembered how she treated me before.

The shock was evident in her eyes. I saw how irritated she was when she walked past me. I sighed and continued walking inside.

Many people clapped as I entered, others kept shaking my hand but all I could think of was how her looks changed.

She was definitely taller than when I last saw her, her features matured and she was slimmer. Her hair was longer. But her brown hazel eyes still had that eager glow, only now it looked fierce. She looked good.

_____________

"Bro, guess what." Ram entered my office. "Aicko said, we're holding our reunion at one of your resorts!" He laughed.

My brows scrunched. "Why there?"

"Don't look at me, I don't have anything to do with this." He raised his hands.

I sighed and nodded.

"This is the universe's call for you to attend the reunion." Ram said.

"I'll be busy that day."

Ram frowned. "Are you kidding me? The venue's at your resort, how can you not come?"

I shrugged.

I actually wanted to go. I'd get to see Kile and Bellona again as well. But Paige would be there, by how she acted at the event night, she made it clear that she didn't want to see me.

So I'll give her that space and time to enjoy the reunion with her friends.

I didn't want to force myself upon her. I had to give her space and time.

I could wait.

________

The day of the batch reunion came and I spent the whole day with Mom. I joined her go shopping and we did business meetings together. I did all of this just to stop myself from going to the reunion.

But Ram's persuasiveness got to me and I agreed to drop by later in the night so that it would lessen the chance of seeing her. But no matter how hard I try, things didn't turn out the way I planned.

I spotted her in one of the ice cream shops in the mall. Ram told me to bring him and the boys some drinks but before I could get to the drinks, I spotted her.

It wasn't that hard to find her, there was always something about her that made her stand out in a crowd. Or maybe, stand out to me.

The next thing I know, I formed in line behind her while she waited her turn to order.

What does she need ice cream for? I wondered.

I also wondered if she'd notice that I was right behind her or not. But it seems like she was focused on something else where. From time to time she'd peak over her shoulder and eye something. She was too focused on whatever she was looking at that she didn't notice me at all.

Did I have to go even closer to her, just for her to know that I was here? And that's what I did. But it didn't go too well.

"Shit!" She exclaimed when she stained her ice cream on my dress shirt. I guess I went a little to close.

I then realized that she was holding two ice creams. Is she planning to eat the both of those?

Well knowing her I guess she would.

I wanted to apologize for going a bit too close, or just leave and wash up but my body betrayed me. Instead of leaving, I just watched her intently as she panicked on what to do.

I've never had her this close to me for so long. The feeling of seeing her so close brought back those memories where in I had her by my side. But she's been gone for so long.

At that moment I wanted time to stand still.

"Shit, shit, shit." She muttered. How many curses does she need?