PHOENIX     I had no plan on coming back to this place again after what happened in my life years ago, but after almost six years, here I am. I’m back. In fact, I even bought establishments and a house. I can’t stand staying at our old house—it only reminds me of a tormenting past. I was surprised to hear from my father’s lawyer that I was included in his Last Will. After what I did to him, he still considered me as a Williams. There’s still a part of me that still hated him for what he did to Mom, to my family, and to me. Hate is a strong word, but it did change my life. After working for my brother’s company for four years, I started my own business for three months now. When I bought the new house in Hillside, I know I will be staying here for a long time. I bought three establishments and made a few changes; from staffing, interior, foods, menus, and supplies. I’m surprised by the profits for three months

PHOENIX   I yawn, rub my eyes with the back of my thumb, then close my laptop after reading the email from the manager of the coffee shop I recently bought. I can’t help but think about the parking lot girl—her eyes, her laugh, and the way she jumped when she finally guessed the right name. It just...she makes me smile. I know one day, there’s a possibility of crossing our path again. This town is not that big, but the question is when? I wake up just when my alarm goes off. After my breakfast, I shower, then I wear a shirt and jeans to look more casual. I will check first the restaurant since the nightclub will open at night. It’s almost eleven when I get out of the restaurant, and everything is under control. I answer the call from Mom when I get inside the car. “Mom, how are you? Did you take your meds on time?” “Oh, honey, I’m good. Don’t worry about me. How about you? How’s your business?” She sounds

PHOENIX     My blood boiled when I heard she took him back. Why she has to take him back? That asshole doesn’t deserve someone like her—she’s too good for him. He hurt her once—cheated on her, and he’ll do it again. Cheaters don’t change—that’s their nature. Was that the reason why she denied my friendship? Did he threaten her that day? I had to excuse myself from them, otherwise, they’ll see the dark side of me, and I, myself don’t like this part of me. I get outside of the apartment to release my anger, and I want to punch every surface here. But before I can do that, I hear the door open, then footsteps follow. Can this be her? I’m not ready to face her after ignoring her earlier. “Phoenix, are you okay?” Thank, God it’s Maya. “I just need some air. I’ll be there in a minute.” I can’t even face Maya. I’m so ashamed about how I reacted. I’m sure everybody noticed that what Sa

PHOENIX   Surprisingly, I’m still not jumping on her, grabbing her head, kissing her senseless, and thrusting my tongue into her mouth. Last night was already torture—after sending her home, I went to my club and sat there for a while when a woman flirted with me. She was beautiful with a fuck-able body, but she wasn’t Samantha, and my cock didn’t even show interest. If it happened before I met Samantha, I already brought her to a hotel room and fucked her senseless, but since I met my princess, any woman wanting my attention, it seems like they don’t exist anymore. Now, she’s sitting beside me with a tiny dress that shows off her cleavage. My cock instantly throbs in my pants—it’s a little bit uncomfortable especially when she laughs freely. My shitty brain imagines her moans, her whines, her grunt every time I thrust inside her sweet tightness—it’s actually uncomfortable. The sweet scent of her perfume fills my nostrils

PHOENIX   The perfect lunch that I’m sharing with Samantha has turned into a disaster when my bitch of an ex appears at our booth. We’re just about to start our lunch when we’re interrupted. She fucking jumps into me hugs me and kisses me as if nothing happened before. Why she has to come here to all the restaurants in this place? Or did she hear the news that this belongs to me and try to catch up for old-time sake? “What? Do you really think I believe that you start dating?” she asks with her bitchy voice and pouts. Samantha clears her throat that gets Gabrielle’s attention. “Phoenix, mind introducing me to your old friend?” Sam gestures her hand to Gabrielle. Please. please. Please, just play along. “Princess, this is Gabrielle. Gabrielle, meets my girlfriend, Samantha.” Sam offers her hand, but of course, Gabrielle ignores her. Samantha has to pull her hand back.