"I've been too hard on you, I'm so sorry." Winnie isn't aware of what is being uttered to her ears or by whom.

The person gave her a kiss on forehead and left the room, leaving her to rest for a bit. The doctor came and told them she needs rest first and after she wakes up, she should be provided immediately with food as her blood pressure went down low due to not eating anything in last few hours.

Finally coming to her senses, Winnie turned around on the bed, slowly opening her eyes. She found herself not in a familiar room. Her head still spinned a little as she tried to recall the memories.

What has happened and how is she here?

She stood up from the bed and looked outside the windows. The outside view looked very familiar, she can't just pinpoint where she sees a view like this. She found a door to exit the room and proceeded to do so.

She recalled the memories back, the blue file, the documents of her mansion and then how she fainted.

Stepping outside the room, she found herself in Damien's office. So he has a room joined to his office, how come she never noticed this before.

Damien with Chris and Oakley were sitting on the couch; all three in a tense environment, looking worried. They turned to look towards the door when they heard the knob opening. Damien's eyes snapped towards her, he went towards her as fast, and gave her support with his arms. He made her sit on the couch and gave her a glass of water to drink. "Are you ok?" He asked, looking at her carefully, giving her concerned expression that he doesn't give her much.

Winnie didn't want the water even though she felt thirsty but she was angry, she would rather die of hunger than drink water given by him. Winnie dinied the glass of water and turned her face to the opposite direction.

"Water, Miss Smith." He said, trying to give her again.

"I don't want it." She said, in a snappy tone.

Okaley gasped at Winnie's behaviour and Chris was shocked, they haven't seen her acting like this. She was just a sweet girl all the time. Chris shook his head, all knowing how things may change to worst from now onwards.

"Hey, you alright?" Chris asked.

"I'm fine." As she replied in a normal tone to Chris, Damien clenched his fist tightly and gripped the glass he was holding, his grips tightened and the glass broke into pieces but not stabbing into him.

Oakley jumped out at his action in fear. Her eyes surrounded with tears, "Daddy, Damien and Winnie angry to me." She said to Chris.

"No, Oakley, why would we be angry at you?" Winnie said, getting up. She picked Oakley up from Chris' lap and gave her kisses, making her happy.

"I think it's best we leave now." Chris spoke. Much to everyone's appreciation the child noted the unhealthy atmosphere and didn't protest to stay.

And they left after Oakley bid Damien and Winnie goodbye.

As they left, Winnie also proceeded to leave, "Miss Smith," He called but she didn't stop and left the office leaving him stunned, wondering what has gotten into her.

She sat down on her table with her head down. She just want some food for her poor stomach. The door to his office opened and he came out in her direction few minutes later, Winnie didn't look towards him. He stood infront of her and said in a sterned voice, "Let's go."

Winnie pretended not to hear a word and focused on drawing something in her hand with a pen. "Miss Smith," This time his voice was showing clearly how tiny bit of patience he has left before he explodes.

He came towards her, grabbing her up from the seat not too harshly, he passed her the coat and her purse, and walked to the elevator; dragging her.

Somewhat he was expecting her to protest against him; shout, snap or be angry. All the other times, he gets annoyed at her reply back, this time he was in a desperate need of an answer from her side. And wasn't getting a response. The way she was ignoring him, hurt his ego.

They reached the ground floor, the door opened and Winnie stepped out. She decided to follow him to wherever, it will be better than being mandhandled by him infront of thousand employees.

Step by step; next to eachother, they went to the parking area where his car was parked.

Surprisingly, for the first time ever he opened the car gate for her to get in. Winnie was puzzled, wondering what made him change his behaviour. But ofcourse it's for a meantime, only because she fainted.

This all genuine acts will go away within a day, don't last forever.

He got in and drove off in a normal speed. Winnie didn't know where they were going and neither she was interested to know.

As the car stopped infront of an expensive restaurant, she figured why they were here.

Now acting like he cares won't help in any case. She rolled her eyes at his 'niceness', that comes once in a while. And with her, once as in almost never.

"Miss Smith," He said, finding her not moving an inch; sitting still on her place.

The so called ignoring treatment was getting on his nerves. It was like she denied his existence, he felt being disrespected and that made him frustrated.

"Winnie," He said in a loud tone.

But it had no effect on her. She sat still, thinking about how could he do that to them. If he had her house under his ownership then why didn't he let her know. Here she was thinking someone else has it. Only if her father was here with her, not aware of how backstabbing and cruel Damien is. She doesn't understand one thing though, he is very rich, why would he seize her mansion. The money he owns, he can buy a big island then why is he after her mansion.

"Have it your way." He commented and stepped out of the car.

As he disappeared from her view, she took her mobile out and called the only person she could. She waited for him to pick up so she could escape. At least for a day.

"Hello, princess." He picked up.

"Can we meet?" She said, directly.

"Now?"

"Now."

"Of course. I am just done with the work. Should I pick you up?"

"No, I'll come at yours."

"Sure, see ya!" Winnie cut the call.

Going through her phone, she erased the call log and every message from Xander. She put the hardest password on her phone and did the setting to be an instant reset if trying the password for more than three times.

She dropped the phone on the seat and got out of the car.

Looking at the resturant, he wasn't in the view. She took the first cab and went off. Winnie relaxed in the cab. She doesn't know what she is doing. All she wants is peace for the day. She doesn't have anyone to ask for honest opinion in this matter. All she can do is, go to Xander and get comfort by him.

The cab stopped infront of his building. She paid the money and went straight to his penthouse. There, she rang his bell for almost ten minutes but he didn't open the door. Maybe he didn't come yet.

She sat down on the floor, a little helpless. Maybe she could have brought her phone but then she didn't want to be messed with Damien's calls. Or worst, she knows how powerful he is, in matter of few moments, he can track her down. That's why she left the phone.

She looked around admiring the building, out of boredom. Counting the lights or tiles. She waited and waited. Until he arrives after half an hour.

"Winnie?"

She stood up, smiling.

A little embarrassed to be found waiting like that.

"When did you come? You should have called me." He said, opening the door.

"But you're here now so it's fine." They went to his living room.

"I'll go freshen up, suit yourself here." He said, going to his room.

Winnie went to his kitchen and took a glass of water. She decided to cook something for themselves, she was hungry and she assume so is he.

Cooking is her kind of way to get her stress out. It's a hobby, a passion and a dream. Since a child, during her most hurting days, she would just cook to escape from reality.

Everything seems to come back, past is repeating. She found herself in her peaceful comforth place once again not just wanting to cook as normal but trying to escape something impossible.

She calmed her mind, no more thinking about how pissed Damien will be.

She just want to live and enjoy in the moment.

She decided to make Thai chicken and sweet potato soup with garlic bread. And churros with chocolate dip for the desert.

She lost herself in the kitchen, making the dishes with all of her passion.

Soon she forgot the dreadful day she have had and enjoyed herself while cooking.

"Is it my blessing day or what? My girlfriend cooking lunch for me sounds like a dream." Said Xander entering the kitchen.

Winnie gulped at hearing the word 'girlfriend'.

How will she break it to him that he deserves better and she had already cheated on his back.

When she was done with the food, they both prepared the table together. After bringing all the dishes from the kichen, they sat down.

Xander dugged in and moaned at the rich ingredient in the soup blasted in his mouth.

"You have to give me your secrets recipes, princess. This is outstanding." Winnie smiled at his comment.

"Nah! I won't." Winnie replied playfully.

She enjoyed herself with the lunch, filling her empty stomach. Xander enjoyed himself too. But they didn't speak much. After lunch, Xander helped her with the dishes, it was not much to do, just putting the dishes in dish washer and done.

"Should we watch a movie now?" Winnie nodded, excited. They had to complete the marvel series.

"Which one we are on?"

"I think we have to watch Thor now." She said.

Xander put the movie on netflix and they both sat on the same couch inside a comfy small throw, chilling while watching the movie.

As they were half way with the movie, Winnie noticed how Xander was coming closer to her little by little and now they were totally next to eachother. He circled his arms on her waist and pulled her more closer. Winnie was a little uncomfortable, she looked at him and he gave her a bright smile. Winnie smiled back and thought to ignore how close he is to her.

Xander then put his head on her shoulder and mumbled, "Thank you for giving me a chance, princess."

A chance that she is gonna take back. Winnie adjusted herself a little, in a process jerking his face away from her neck.

"Winnie,"

Looking at him from side of her eyes, Winnie gulped in at the look he was giving her, his lovingly eyes. He was adoring her. For him it seemed like a dream to be with her. And he was enjoying that dream.

It's time to tell him that she is not ready for it. Not at all. It's better to hurt him now then let him have more feelings for her. If he stops now, it will be better for both of them. It should be stopped before it becomes unstoppable.

Winnie does not a feel a thing inside her heart for him apart from pure friendship and she values their friendship more.

He planted a quick kiss on her cheek, startling her. Winnie sighed, not prepared for the kiss. If that kiss was as a friend only, she wouldnt have minded. But taking it further will complicate things more.

"Xander,"

"Yes, princess?"

His all attention was on her.

"I.."

Looking at her deep majestic blue eyes, she knew she is gonna regret it so much.

"I wasn't ready..-"

He cut her off by planting his lips on her.

Winnie was shocked to say the least. Gently, his tongue entered inside her mouth. And he kissed her slowly, savouring her mouth in most softest way possible.

The way he was kissing her, she knew it's too late.

He's already in love with her.

Comprehending his kiss and those of Damien's. She laughed at the thought, that she likes Damien's kisses more. It has more passion, those can make her feel things she can't imagine. It's true his kisses are rough, passionate and not merciful; but that's how she enjoys it.

Xander, however, make her feel nothing. She doesn't feel the butterflies in her stomach. And she knew that she can never have feelings for Xander in any other way rather than a friendship.

She pulled herself, holding herself back together. "You shouldn't have done that." She whispered.

"I'm sorry if I hurt you, princess. I just couldn't hold myself. You're iresistible." He said.

"I can't do this."

Xander not knowing what she was saying, stayed quiet.

"It was so soon. I needed sometime. I don't think I can do relationships at the moment." She told him.

"Okey, we will take things slowly and calmly. I'm sorry to hurt you, princess."

"I don't know what to do, Xander." She hicupped, tears at the verge of falling.

"I feel like my life is a big joke.

I'm so broke, no where to go, no one to rely on."

"It's okey," He took her into a hug.

And then she broke off; tears after tears ran down her eyes, dripping into his shirt as she cried her heart out. All the bad memories she was holding in, she let them out.

He caressed her hair, relaxing, soothing her. He is confused at her situation. He didn't know she was so mentally messed up right now and the kiss pushed her to the edge.

"I dislike him so much, I have never disliked anyone more." She mumbled into his chest.

"Who?"

"Damien Knight."

"Why don't you just quit?"

"Only if it was that easy."

"Winnie, I don't know what situation you're in until you tell me. Please tell me maybe I can help?" He offered.

Winnie stayed quiet. After her crying session, she felt exhausted. She got herself a little more comfortable on his chest and closed her eyes to a deep slumber.

...

Waking up, she found herself in a different room at the second time today. This time she already remember she was at Xander's. But he wasn't within her sight.

She looked at the watch and her eyes widened in horror. It was 10 at night.

This is not gonna be good.

She stood up and stepped out of the room, she took her bag and coat from the couch, tried to find Xander is everywhere. His voice was coming from the kitchen, as he was singing some songs.

Winnie made her way to the kitchen just to find him in an apron, cooking delighedly. He looked at her and smiled, "Welcome back to the world from your little nap, princess." It wasn't a little nap, she slept for six hours.

"Since you cooked us lunch, I am doing the honor of cooking us the dinner. Be prepared to eat the most delicious meal of your life, princess." Xander spoke.

"I must leave now."

"I'll drop you off after dinner."

"No, it's already too late, I have to leave. Thank you for the amazing day, Xander." She gave him a hug and left his house, leaving him disappointed.

She grabbed the cab as fast as she could, asking driver to drive fast. "Please be fast."

"Miss, I'm already at the maximum legal limit. I can't drive at illegal speed just because you're in such a hurry." Annoyed voice of the driver said.

Why is everyone having a bad day today.

Winnie stayed quiet and waited patiently to reach her destination. Or more like hell. She can only imagine his pissed expression. He will break hell on her. He might as well have turned into a bull.

When they stopped, she paid and ran to the building. As she entered the penthouse, it was unawkwardly silence.

She was welcomed by Ethan and Damien in the living room, both on laptop doing some research. Little does she know, they are checking the security cameras outside of the resturant to find where she could have gone.

Damien's eyes snapped at her direction and he sighed in relief. But also his expression changed to agression as fast.

"Leave, Ethan." He said.

then noticed Winnie and also relaxed.

"Where were you?" He asked.

"Leave now, Ethan." Snapped Damien at Ethan, looking straight into Winnie's eyes.

"Okey. But chill, bro. Don't go crazy or do something you might regret later." Ethan said, gathering his laptop.

Before leaving, he murmured into Winnie's ears, "Don't mind him, he is gone mad now. Just go to your room and lock the door."

Winnie rolled her eyes, she is ready to face lion's wrath. Who cares, he can even murder her if he wants. But she is sick of following his rules and orders.

Damien stood up from the couch, still looking deeply in her eyes. Came and stood near to her. "Where were you?" His voice was unbelievably calm.

Like a calm before the storm.

"Last time I check, you don't owe me or something. So I don't have to answer you." She replied, bravely.

She took steps to leave him in his agression alone, but he jerked her on the wall; prisoning her under his arms.

"Leave me." She said in a gritting tone.

"Where were you?"

"With my boyfriend." And that sentence was enough for him to lose control.

He forcely took her lips in an aggressive kiss, biting her lips between his teeth as hard as he could. This was his best way to inflict torture on her.

What he didn't expect was a kick on his main part. He stepped back and moaned in pain as he looked at her in disbelief. Did she really hit him where the sun doesn't shine.

Giving him a smirk; Winnie said in clear words, "Never again."

"Don't you dare to kiss me." And there she left him, dazed.