π CHAPTER 5 π
"What kind of a lowlife company is this?" The most powerful man of Westwood wasn't impressed with what he saw. To him, this isn't what a top company should be like! It was way below his standards!"Is this a joke to you, Ethan?" His hard gaze washes over his assistant who nodded negatively immediately."Please calm down, Boss. I know this doesn't suit your taste, but you haven't seen their designs yet. I promise it is totally worth it. Just look beyond the poor appearance." What Ethan said didn't suit well with Dominic's dissatisfaction."Get the car ready, Ethan. I have other appointments to meet. I don't have any spare time to waste here" The cold man turned and was more than eager to leave. Dominic was a man of great principle and power, who likes everything done perfectly. He isn't the type to tolerate a company this disorganized or so to say. He was just about to leave when Mr. Maxwell spotted him. The overly excited man exclaimed;"Oh, Mr. Hartless, you're already here! What a pleasant surprise!"Dominic turned and his eyes glanced up and down the short man walking up to them."It's such an honor to meet you, Sir. I'm Jonathan Maxwell, director of Exmo Clothing and Fashion. It's such an honor to have you in our midst, Mr. Hartless.""Let's get over with the pleasantries, Mr. Maxwell. I don't have all the time in the world so show me what your company has to offer." Dominic headed straight to the point. He didn't see the need to familiarize himself with anyone. It was even a miracle for him to have reconsidered leaving."Of course, Mr. Hartless. This way." Mr. Maxwell chuckled and got down to business. Dominic was shown all of Exmo's latest designs. The truth of the matter, the cold man of slightly impressed. He wouldn't have imagined a low-life company like these will have such amazing clothes."So, what do you have to say, Mr. Hartless? "Dominic already concluded in his heart; this company doesn't meet his standards. Yes, their designs are top-notch but their management was extremely poor. He was about to say what was on his mind when his eyes landed on something or rather someone and gently, they dilated.There, on the other side was Melina, who was busy overseeing the works of the novice fashionistas. Dominic's eyes landed on her and suddenly, the cold man couldn't look away.The way her brown eyes held both seriousness and friendliness, her full pouted lips plastered with a charming smile any time she commended a worker and her long wavy and silky brown hair stood out, giving a perfect match to the jumpsuit she was wearing, Dominic suddenly couldn't take his eyes off this woman.The way she confidently spoke, her hands moving simultaneously to what she was saying, Dominic Hartless was impressed or rather, speechless."Erm, Boss. Mr. Maxwell is asking what you think." Ethan muttered when the cold man didn't say anything. He traced what Dominic's eyes were fixed on and seeing who he was staring at, Ethan's eyes widened in shock.Wait a damn minute...Is his Boss checking...a woman out?! A whole Dominic Hartless is looking at a woman... intensely?!This is a miracle!"Who is this woman? " Dominic finally demanded."Oh, that's Melina Throndsen, our head fashionista, and model. She's an expert, our number one best employee.""A quick secret, Mr. Hartless. Most of the clothes I've shown you were all her ideas and design." Mr. Maxwell spoke in a whisper. Dominic was even more impressed."Mr. Maxwell, I want a cloth designed for me but I want her to be the handling my clothing contract" Dominic suddenly demanded and Ethan was even more shocked.What happened to his Boss wanting to leave this low-life company? And now he wants cloth designed by them?"Erm...but...Mr. Dominic, she already has a lot of contracts she's handling now. We have other experts who can carry out your... ""No! I want her to handle my contract. It's her or no one else! " Dominic insisted.Ethan was speechless. This was so unlike his Boss."How much should I pay for her service?""Wow. Calm down, Mr. Hartless. Let's go discuss that over in my office. Shall we?" Mr. Maxwell would never let an offer go past him.Dominic agreed and a few moments later, Melina was called into Mr. Maxwell's office."Melina, I would like you to meet our guest, Mr. Hartless, and his assistant, Ethan."Ethan's jaw dropped to the ground after getting a closer view of the woman his Boss was gazing at. Now he understood why his Boss couldn't take his eyes off her. She was simply breathtakingly beautiful!"Nice to meet you, Mr. Hartless." Melina flashed a pretty smile that got Dominic's heart skipping but he kept a blank expression and kept staring intently at her.There was something about this woman that felt familiar, especially her eyes, like they have met before but he couldn't pinpoint where or when.Melina was told what she needed to do and she gladly accepted. To her, it was an opportunity to win the most powerful man of Westwood over with her skills.With that, she and Dominic went to her office to get his measurement."Should I come along, Boss?" Ethan flashed Dominic a sheepish smile."Get lost!""Yes, Sir" He retreated immediately.Soon, Melina was done taking the necessary measurements."I'm done, Mr. Hartless""Hmm.""Your clothes will be ready in three days. That is all you. You can go now."Dominic suddenly smirked and covered the distance between them much to Melina's surprise."Mr. Hartless...""You're the head fashionista, huh?" Dominic's eyes quickly traveled down to her lips before moving back to her eyes. He stared intently into them and for a moment he forgot what he wanted to say."I will like to see what you've got" He muttered instead."Don't disappoint me, Miss Melina." He whispered the last part before leaving. Melina stared blankly at nothing, surprised.After doing the other necessary stuff, Dominic and Ethan finally left Exmo Clothing and Fashion, expected to be back in three days.The moment they both entered the car, Dominic stated,"Find out everything about that woman. I want her profile on my table tomorrow""Yes, Sir"The next day and Ethan presented Melina's profile just as Dominic demanded."Boss, she's single and I'm sure she's ready to mingle. But can you believe she has two kids already? Twins, to be exact. They are six years old; a boy and a girl. And their names are Shantel and Le....""Did I ask for your explanation, Ethan?" A brow was raised at the blabbermouth who immediately kept shut."Sorry, my bad. Go ahead, Boss. I will be waiting outside" Ethan bowed and immediately left.Dominic stared at the document about Melina in his hand with all focus. So many questions ran through his head."She's a single mother of two. Does it mean her husband is dead, left her, or is a coward who abandoned his responsibility?"Dominic didn't understand why but...he was suddenly interested in this woman he just met. TWO DAYS LATERDominic tried on the last of his clothes with Ethan, Mr. Maxwell, and Melina waiting for him to step out of the dressing room."Wow! Amazing!Splendid!" Ethan clamored in awe when he finally stepped out, dressed in an amazing suit. Indeed, Melina didn't fall Dominic. All the clothes she designed for him were just perfect, Dominic couldn't find a single fault in them even though he badly wanted to."So, what do you have to say, Mr. Hartless?" Mr. Maxwell asked. Dominic glanced at Melina who did the same and their gaze locked. His gaze softened a bit and without realizing it, he blurted."Gorgeous""Gorgeous?" Ethan was confused."Boss, which is gorgeous, the fashionista or the clothes?" He asked in a whisper."The clothes, Ethan, the clothes are gorgeous!" Dominic glared at him. Once again, Melina smiled brightly."I'm glad you like the clothes, Mr. Hartless. I guess I didn't disappoint you"Dominic smirked. This woman was unbelievably confident and had amazing skills. The cold man finally decided;He wanted this woman at any cost!The next day and Melina was given amazing news, more like an offer that left her speechless and shocked."Mr. Hartless wants you to start working for him at his new clothing company back in Westwood"It turned out that after, being satisfied with Melina's work yesterday, Dominic didn't hesitate to offer a huge deal to Mr. Maxwell. An offer to release Melina to him. Ethan once again was rendered dumbfounded.The most powerful man of Westwood, wanted a worker from his presumed lowlife company to start working for him.Something is definitely wrong with his Boss! The moment Ethan realized that was when he didn't even have to remind Dominic that he had an appointment with Exmo that day. Dominic was the one who reminded him instead.Dominic paid off Melina's contract with EXMO, times two of it actually, and also paid off her termination contract that same day without battling an eye.Melina narrated everything to Barbera and the old woman didn't hesitate to say,"Take the offer, Melina. This is your chance to expand more in your talent.""But, Aunt. I don't want to go back to that city. I've already moved on with my life so what's the point of going back to the past? I'm ok with my life here. I have a good career and can take of Shantel and Leon all by myself so what's the point of moving? " Melina was scared of going back to her hometown."If you have really moved on, my dear, you will accept this offer. This is a huge opportunity for you, I don't want you to lose it. The most powerful man of Westwood wants you to work for him, he knows what you're talent is worth. Accept it, my dear."A few weeks passed by and after thinking things through, Melina finally accepted the offer. Shantel and Leon were told that they will be moving to Westwood the next week and the two brats were more than excited."You know I overheard Mommy and Grandma one certain time talking about our Daddy. I heard Grandma say he is in Westwood" Leon revealed."Really?!" Shantel beamed greatly."Yes. So which means if you move to Westwood, we can finally find our lost Daddy.""And when we do, we will have him marry Mommy and we will all live together like a normal family!""Exactly, Shantel. But for that to happen we have to stop fighting all the time. We need to start working together as a team but not just for a day. We need to do so from now on if we want to find our Daddy.""So, tell me. Do you agree to work with me?" Leon stretched out his little hands to Shantel who gave him a suspicious look before finding locking her hands with his."Let's do this, Leon. Partners?""Partners!...π CHAPTER 6 π Melina and her kids finally arrived at Westwood International Airport together with Barbera. Shantel and Leon were excited to finally see the huge city they'd heard so much about. "Mommy, this airport is very huge and classic. And they are a lot of people here. I like it!" Shantel, who was more enthusiastic remarked, a bright beam on her face. Melina held the little girl while Barbera held Leon as they made their way to the arrival section. While waiting at the arrival section, someone spotted them and started waving at them. "Melina! Over here!" A feminine voice called out and when Melina's eyes spotted her, waves of unexplainable happiness washed down her. There, standing not so far from her and her kids was her longtime best friend, Abigail but there was someone else with her, a little girl of about 4 years old. The two women, now overwhelmed with emotions ran to each other in a very tight hug, tears of happiness running down their faces. "Oh, Melina. It's been
π CHAPTER 7 π It was a cool Saturday afternoon, a few days after Melina and her kids came back to Westwood. Shantel and Leon spent these few days exploring the new city they moved into. Every day they would ask Melina to take them somewhere new in Westwood and since Melina was yet to start work, she gladly accepted. Today, they were going to explore the city's biggest amusement park; The Greatest Park of Westwood. The two brats were excited especially Shantel. The little girl was exhilarated. She couldn't even sleep an inch last night. Even before morning came, the little girl woke up and arranged everything she will needing for the little tour. Melina and her kids left after bidding bye to Barbera. A few rides later, they got to the park. Shantel's jaw dropped to the floor and her pupils dilated vastly at how huge and ecstatic the park was. Her eyes gleamed in excitement as she got a little view of the heaven-like place. Even Leon was rendered wordless. There wasn't a single amu
π CHAPTER 8 π Melina came out from the cotton candy stand and was surprised to see Leon running towards her. "Wow, calm down Leon. The cotton candy isn't running away" She chuckled but then, the moment she saw the sad gloom on Leon's face, the smile on her face vanished. Looking around she realized, Shantel wasn't with him. Melina's heart immediately cut. "Leon, where is your little sister?" She demanded, praying what she was assuming wasn't true. But sadly, that wasn't the case. "Mommy, Shantel is nowhere to be found. I've looked everywhere for her but I can't find her" The little boy dropped the shocking news. Γ. Γ. Γ Dominic Hartless turned and stared down at the cute little girl standing before him, her big brown eyes glowing in excitement. A familiar feeling washed down him making a frown appear on his face. Little Shantel flashed him a broad smile and his heart skipped a bit. Dominic Hartless has never seen a smile this innocent and beautiful! But then to his shock, "Ex
π CHAPTER 9 π"Boss, do you think there's ever a possibility of you having kids you know nothing of?" Ethan's question didn't suit well with Dominic. The cold man shot him a deadly glare. Is this man trying to insult him or what?"If you want to rub it to my face that I'm still unmarried why don't you say it directly and stop beating around the bush?" "No, no that's not what I mean, Boss. I know you don't have a wife yet and it sounds crazy what I'm about to say but I can't help it...""There's this little boy I met today who looks just like you! It's crazy how the both of you have a striking resemblance. And oh, did I forget to mention that he talks and behaves just like you? One might think he is your son! " Dominic frowned, not seeing any sense behind what Ethan just said."A lot of people look alike, Ethan. Similarly, a kid can get a resemblance to someone who isn't their parent. I don't see what's alarming about that.""You're probably right, Boss. It's just a coincid
π CHAPTER 10π "Which means on Monday, Mommy and Daddy's love story will begin!" Shantel exclaimed. "Exactly. But for that to happen, we have to meet Daddy first. You've already met him but I haven't. I still have a lot of questions to ask him." "Hmm. How are we going to meet him then? We can't just visit him in his office, can we?" "Don't worry, Shantel. A way will come and if it doesn't, we will create on ourselves. One thing I know for sure is that we are going to reunite with our Daddy soon ." FAST FORWARD TO MONDAY... Melina and the kids left the house after eating breakfast. And even though she didn't have enough money at hand, she was going to enroll them in a school. Not just any school, Westwood Elementary High, the best elementary school in the entire city. She was planning on using her employee certificate as a sort of collateral to enroll her kids. Ethan had informed her that the school will allow her so far she has a certified and legal method of paying. Melina an
π CHAPTER 11 π A knock came on Dominic's door and Ethan entered. Seeing the silly grin on Ethan's face, Dominic frowned. What was this assistant of his up to now? "Wow, Boss. You never told me we were now offering free scholarships to the children of our employees. Was that the new employee benefit you were talking about? I'm 100% sure that all the employees of the Hartless Empire will be more than grateful for this kind and thoughtful act of yours, Boss. Bravo!" A hard glare was sent to the blabbermouth who swallowed back his chuckle and let out a slight cough instead. "Why are you here?" Dominic demanded, hissing through his teeth. "My bad, Boss. I came to inform you that Miss Melina wants to meet you. She wants to thank you personally for the new employee benefits." Ethan noticed how Dominic's pupils dilated at the mention of Melina. "So I will like to know if you're in any way free or perhaps chanced to see her, Boss." He added with a snicker. Keeping a cold expression, Do
π CHAPTER 12 πDominic was in a hurry to make it to the elevator. He didn't want to keep the couples waiting for him any longer. Just in front of the elevator, a certain someone bumped into him and spilled coffee all over him. Dominic's eyes turned red as he stared down at his ruined million-dollar suit. He glance up murderously to see the imbecile that was this blind not to have seen him. But the moment his eyes landed on Melina, his pupils dilated instead and his gaze softened."I'm so sorry, Mr. Hartless. It wasn't intentional. Please let me clean it" A scared Melina took out her scarf and started cleaning the suit with it. But who was she kidding?Even after seeing it was hopeless "I apologize, Mr. Hartless. Give me some more time, I will surely clean the stain." Melina bowed repeatedly, her heart thumping hard against her chest. She hasn't even started work yet and she already spilled coffee all over her Boss?The scene was starting to draw the attention of the workers passing
π CHAPTER 13 π Melina let out a deep breath and hesitatingly pressed the bottom of the third floor. "What am I going to say? What kind of people are Mr. and Mrs. Frederico? How am I going to pull this off? This is so impromptu." Melina didn't realize when the elevator stopped moving until the beeping sound of the door opening snapped her out of her thoughts. She made her way to the conference room and getting to the door, she stopped, her heart hammering hard against her chest. With a little adjusting here and there, she let out a deep breath and finally pressed the automatic key. The door slowly opened and she walked in. She spotted the couple seated at the other side of the conference table, talking to themselves in a whisper. The couple was a bit advanced in age or probably middle-aged but they were classic. One could tell how filthy rich they are just by their dress. Melina approached the couple with a friendly smile and gave them a friendly greeting, introducing herself as