CHRISTINA

I glance back at myself in the mirror. My smooth brown hair and icy blue eyes match impeccably with my pink Gucchi A-line dress and Jimmy Choo pencil heels. I grab my keys and get going.

Hi. I am Christina Wills. The next in line of owning one of the major tycoons in the business industry, Wills Enterprises. The Wills Enterprises was commenced by my father Austin Wills. It has since its existence been in an incessant enmity with the Black Enterprises. Being an only child and colossally rich, I haven’t faced any problems psychologically and materially.

My parents have been on a business trip to UK and today is their 25th Anniversary and I have prepared a surprise for them at the Dalton Hotel; the most luxurious hotel in NYC . My inner goddess is jumping up and down at the thought of it. I hop in my sporty Bentley and head out. I was humming merrily when all of a sudden I ran out of fuel. I let out a frustrated sigh and got out. As, I was frantically trying to hail a taxi, a man walked up to me.

My breath hitched as I looked at him. He was a flawless person with broad shoulders, sexy lips, jet black hair and grey eyes. Damn, those eyes! He was wearing a black suit with a matching tie.

He stood in front of me and asked, “Miss, do you need a lift?” I stood gazing into his grey eyes and suddenly realised I was making a utter fool of myself. Taking in a deep breath I replied “Yes.”

I could see the corners of his mouth turning up into a smile. He cocked his head to one side and asked “Where are you heading to?” “Dalton hotel.” I replied. His smile broadened as he said, “I am heading to the same place. Why don’t I give you a ride.”

My inner goddess winks at me as I heave a sigh of relief and thank him. He grabs my hand and leads me to his car. This sudden contact of skin sends an electric shock throughout my body. He holds open the door for me and let go of my hand. I can’t help feel a bit disappointed. He gets on and starts to drive.

He asks in a nonchalant tone, “Why are you heading there?”I give him a wide grin and reply, “Today is my parents 25th Anniversary and I have prepared a surprise for them.

He pulled over and I got off. Out of the blue, he grabbed my arm and asked, “What is your name?” “Christina. Christina Wills.” I reply and head in with a smile on my face.

I twirl around in the centre of the hall taking in its beauty. The ceiling is covered with blue and white balloons- my parents’ favourite colours. There is a stage decorated with lilies and lavenders. Everything is perfect. I check the time on my phone and find it odd that my parents haven’t arrived yet. I impatiently tap my feet as I wait for them to arrive. All my family members and my parents’ close friends start to file in.

My best friend Camilla Evans comes over with a worried look on her face and asks, “Haven’t your parents arrived yet.” I shake my head.

Camilla hugs me and whispers in my ear, “Everything is going to be alright.”“I hope so.” But deep down I am feeling like something dreadful is going to happen.

I excuse myself and head out into the lobby .Unexpectedly my phone chimes and a number appears. I pick up.

“Christina Wills.” I say. “Hello ma’am. Are you the daughter of Austin and Emma Wills?” the voice asks.

“Yes.” I hesitantly reply. “I am deeply sorry to inform you ma’am but your parents’ plane crashed and they did not make it.”

My heart shattered into a thousand pieces. My hands began shaking and the phone fell down; streams of tears ran down my face. Suddenly, there was no strength left in me to stand and I slopped to the ground. I just wanted to wake up from this horrible nightmare. I did not want to be an orphan. But deep down inside I knew this was the cruel and harsh so-called reality.

All of a sudden firm and warm hands took hold of me. I continued to express my sorrow through tear shedding but these tears could never amount to the pain I was facing. All my happiness was snatched away from me and now I had nothing but a dark road to walk on.

A soft voice spoke to me, “Are you okay?” I looked up and saw the man from before with a concerned look on his face. I wiped my tears away.

“What’s wrong?” he asked. I spoke out, my voice quivering. “My parents met with an accident and they did not survive.”

“Oh God Christina.” He said and wrapped his arms even tighter around me. At that moment I knew that I wanted to stay in the warmth and light that he gave me forever.

STEPHEN

I woke up with a start as the same dream came to haunt me again. My girlfriend had left me for seven years now but the memory still was as sore as a knife stab. My eyes fell on the clock and I got up to get ready for a meeting at the Dalton hotel.

I opted for a Stuart Hughe black suit with a tie and headed to my Porsche SUV. I was standing at signal when I caught sight of her. She was no less than an angel. She had gorgeous brown hair and lively blue eyes. I was bemused by her beauty. Her attire showed she was affluent as well. She had her eyebrows knitted together in a frown.

Before I even knew what I was doing I got off my car and headed straight towards her. She gazed directly at me and I was caught off guard by her virtuous and innocent face.

I asked her, “Miss, do you need a lift?” She replied, “Yes.”

I inquired, “Where do you have to go?” She retorted, “Dalton hotel.”

I was inept to hold my happiness within and decided to give her a lift .To my astonishment she concurred.

As I was driving I asked her, “Why are you heading there?”

Precipitously, her face lit up and I couldn’t help but gape at her innocence. She elatedly tells me, “Today is my parents 25th Anniversary and I have prepared a surprise for them.”

Before I even knew it I was pulling in front of the hotel. My conscience told me to grab hold of her and never let her go but instead I lightly took hold of her arm and asked, “What is your name?”

“Christina. Christina Wills.” she replied and got off.

I closed my eyes and smiled sheepishly as I let her name sink in.

I handed over my car in the valet parking and went in. Being the CEO of Black Enterprises was an arduous job. Firstly, because of the vastness of its empire and secondly, our rivalry with Wills Enterprises. I entered the conference room and took my respective seat at the head of the table. After everybody had settled down I ordered the meeting to be commenced. The meeting persisted but my train of thought had derailed towards Christina and her twinkling blue eyes and innocent smile. Damn that smile.

The meeting concluded. I could not resist anymore and decided to steal a glimpse of Christina if I could. Damn, what had I become. I set off towards the hall and halted when I saw Christina in the lobby. She picked up her phone and out of the blue tears started making their way down her face. I was shocked and felt a deep pang of pain as I saw her slump to the floor. I could bear to see her in a state like this and reached out to grab her. At that moment she needed someone and that had to be me .

I softly asked her, “What is the matter?” and she replied, “ My parents passed away in an accident.”

My heart filled up with sympathy for her. What wrong had such an innocent girl done to face such an impediment in her life ? I clutched her tighter against me and she started sobbing again. This was the first time in seven years I was holding a girl. But, I did not give a damn; it did not matter. All I wanted was to comfort my sweet, innocent angel.

When Christina had gained composure I helped her up and she said, “I am really sorry for dragging you into this mess. I genuinely apologise.”

I was taken aback by the fact that at a time like this she did not fail to remember her courtesies. She went up to the restroom to tidy up.

As I awaited in the lobby a young lady came rushing up to me and asked me with a perplexed look, “Excuse me sir. Have you by any chance seen a beautiful lady with a pink dress on?”

I figured out she was one of Christina’s friends so I elucidated the situation to her. She covered her mouth in horror and dashed to the restroom.

After a while, she reappeared with Christina. Christina looked like she would collapse any second which did not come as a surprise considering the recent mishap. Christina’s friend led her to the hall and I decided to follow them. As Christina entered the hall a wave of silence fell upon its occupants.

She grabbed the mic, “ My dear friends and family. I bring to you sad tidings involving my parents. They are no longer here with us.” There is a sudden gasp as Christina continues, “Their plane met with an accident and they did not make it . I request everyone present here to observe a few minutes of silence in their memory.”

My heart broke as I saw her breakdown again. As I looked at this innocent girl whose feeling of ecstasy was robbed from her, I prayed to the Almighty to give her strength and light so she could continue to be the innocent and sweet angel she is.

CHAPTER 2

CHRISTINA

It began to rain as I stood in front of my parents’ grave. No other weather could have expressed my solemn mood better. My mother had always doted on gardening so I had a glasshouse built under an apple tree and had their graves dug beneath it. My house was a magnificent villa covering acres of land. I had invited only a few close friends and family as it all happened in a blur and to prevent the media from coming as the death of my parents was undercover.

As the rain began to fall more heavily all the guests began to depart. Camilla was very persistent and was not willing to leave me alone.

“OMG! Christina are you out of your mind ! How can you be alone at a time like this ?” she exclaimed. I gave her a small smile. “Camilla I promise if I need a shoulder to cry on you will be the first one to know.”

She was very reluctant but she left anyway. I turn back to my parents.

“Mom.” I say, “Do you even know how helpless I am right now. The thing I yearn for right now is to lay in your arms and forget this ever happened. But I know I am just fooling myself and you are never coming back. I had a surprise ready for you and the thought of you smiling after seeing it made me so glad. But, the pain that I am experiencing now is tearing me apart mom because I know you left and are never coming back.” I break down into a stream of tears as the pain takes control over me.

“Dad.” I continue, “You were always there for me at all times no matter what. If I was sad or gloomy I knew you would always come to me and say ‘cheer up my sweet princess.’ So where are you now when I need you the most? On your anniversary I gladly chose to wear the pink dress you had brought for me and in return you left me. I HATE YOU MOM AND DAD.” I scream.

After sitting in  solitude and sobbing I head inside. It was fucking silent inside. I was hoping to hear my mother’s sweet voice calling to come have dinner and my father’s laughter when we were playing chess together. But the only sound I heard was the pitter-patter of the rain and the constant piercing of a knife through my heart. I head to my room and cry myself to sleep.

When I woke up again it was quarter past five. I headed down to get myself  a cup of wine to relieve myself from the splitting headache I was having thanks to the crying. Out of nowhere, an idea struck me. Why don’t I go join my mother and father.

I recalled that my father had a bottle of Botulinum toxin and went into their room. I was rummaging through the vanity drawers when I came across a piece of paper. All the tears came welling back up as I read it:

Dear Christina,

                             If you are reading this then it means me and your father are no longer with you. We had already suspected somebody would try to take our lives and yours as well. So to keep our sweet baby safe we went on this business trip. I know you must be going through a lot of pain right now and we wish we were there for you. Sweetheart you must always remember we have always loved you.

Now listen carefully, if we do not come back, meet up with the Renolds. Actually your father and Harry Renolds were like brothers and Kiara was a sister to me. They will surely help you as the rivalry was on the surface so no harm comes to our loved ones. Take care sweetheart.

Yours truly,

Mom.

At that moment, I made a promise to myself that I would find the murderers and make them pay for what they had done. I had to be strong and continue my father’s dream of strengthening Wills Enterprises. I went into the washroom and stared at myself in the mirror. I was a total mess. There were dark circles beneath my eyes, my eyes had swollen because of the crying and to sum it all up I looked like a pig. ‘ Damn Christina get a hold of yourself’ my inner goddess spoke. After washing up I picked up my phone and called Theo.

“Hello Christina. I am deeply sorry that I could not be there for you” he answered. “It’s okay Theo I’m fine but I want you to fly over tomorrow because Wills Enterprise is getting into a collaboration with Black Enterprises along with The James Company.”

“But Chr…..” I hang up before he can say anything. I throw the phone on my bed. It was time to meet my Godparents.

STEPHEN

How is she? This is the only question revolving inside my head. What is happening to me? I ask myself and hear my conscience grinning at me. Since when have I started to care about women? I decided it was time to go pay a little visit to my psychologist Dr. Tristan. He has been my doctor since Ashlyn had left me seven years ago and her nightmares still haunted me to date.

I booked an urgent appointment with Dr. Tristan and headed to the hospital in my silver Jaguar. When I arrived at his cabin, he was sitting in his usual chair and looked up at me from his book.

“Ah! Mr. Renolds to what do I owe this pleasure to,” he says. “Hi Dr. Tristan I had some matters to discuss with you.”

“Sure, have a seat.”

I sit across from him in one of the black leather chairs.

“So what seems to be the problem?” he asks. “Is it Ashlyn?”

I shake my head. “As you know doc I have been having nightmares about Ashlyn since seven years but, recently they have seized after I met this girl named Christina. I don’t know why but whenever I am around her I have this feeling of holding her and never letting her go. What is wrong with me doc?”

He lets out a hearty laughter and answers, “You Mr. Renolds are in love.”

I take a moment to digest what he just said. Love ?

“How is that possible?” I say, “I swore not to love anyone after what happened with me and Ashlyn.” “Well love cannot be controlled. Running away from the truth will make matters worse. I suggest you start as friends and then you will be clear of your own feelings.” He suggests.

“Thanks doc I will think about it.” “ The pleasure’s all mine Mr.Renolds.”

I leave his office and send a message to my best friend Oliver Wyatt and ask him to meet  me at Fornino Italino for lunch. After a few seconds he sends me a message asking if it’s okay if his girlfriend comes along. I sigh as I reply yes.

At quarter to two the doors open as Oliver along with his girlfriend walks in. I am taken aback as Oliver’s girlfriend is no other than Christina’s best friend. Oliver spots me and comes over. “Hey bro. I would like you to meet my girlfriend Camilla Evans.  She is a model,” he says. “Camilla this is my best friend Stephen Renolds; CEO of Black Enterprises.” A worried look crosses her face as she looks at me.

When we have finished ordering our respective orders I decided to ask about Christina.

“So how is she ?” I ask hesitantly. Camilla glares at me and answers, “She is the bravest person I know and even at a time like this she knows how to put on a brave face but, she is broken inside.” Oliver looks back and forth at me and then Camilla.

“Wait wait wait. Who are we talking about exactly? And do both know each other?” He asks me. “Yeah we met at Dalton Hotel.” I answer.

Before he could ask me more questions, my phone chimes and the name of my secretary appears. I excuse myself and answer the phone.

“Hey Sam. What is it?” “Sir, the CEO of Wills Enterprise and the CEO of The James Company want to have a meeting with you.”

“What?” I find myself asking completely taken aback.

“Yes sir. I called to ask you if you were interested in this meeting.”

“Oh. I’m very intrigued. Inform them to meet me tomorrow at quarter to ten.”

“ As you say sir.” I cancel the call and head back to our table.

“Is anything wrong ?” Oliver asked.

“ Considering the fact that the CEO of Wills Enterprises just asked to meet me. I guess it has to be a no.” Camilla’s eyes widened as I spoke.

“ Are you alright ?” Oliver asks looking at her with concern. She quickly eyed down and nodded. Little did I know my whole life was going to change from tomorrow.

CHRISTINA

“The future lies in the person who holds the job.” My father used to always say before he went for a meeting and it was time for me to work according to his advice. I selected a light blue skirt along with a black skirt and black high heels. My hair was drawn into a tight ponytail. Before heading out I double checked to make sure I had all the obligatory documents. It was time for me to meet the long awaited CEO of Black Enterprises.

Theo looked charming as he stood patiently waiting for me. He had green eyes and blonde hair and was found alluring to many. But I found him as a brotherly figure to me even though we were engaged. Taking my wish into consideration they were going to break off our engagement before they met with that accident.

When he saw me he came over and held the door ajar for me as I stepped out.  “Good morning to my beautiful fiancée.” He says with a frank smile on his face. I roll my eyes at his cockiness.

The moment I enter the skyscraper I finally understand why the company is called Black Enterprises. The furniture is black. The walls are black. Even the dress code of the employees is black. EVERYTHING is black except a sign saying ‘ Black Enterprises’ which is hung over the front desk in gold. I walk up to the front desk and clear my throat to grab the attention of the receptionist. She looks up at me and gives me a wide smile.

“ How may I be of assistance to you ma’am?” she asks. I give her one of my I-have-very-important-business looks and speak up, “ I am here to have a meeting with the CEO.”

She goes up the elevator and comes back to inform me, “I apologize ma’am but the CEO is currently very busy.”

The blood inside me begins to boil. So, the CEO wants to play a game; well two can play at it. “ It’s alright.” I say to the receptionist giving her one of my warm smiles. “ I’ll wait right over here.” I say and walk back to where Theo is sitting.

Theo might have sensed something was wrong from my dark expression. “What happened ?” “Well the mighty CEO of Black Enterprises does not have the civility to spare few minutes of his Oh! So precious time on two other equally important CEO’s who have come to discuss a very important matter.” I say all in one breathe.

“ So what do we do now ?” He asks. “ We wait.”

At quarter past twelve the CEO finally asked to meet us. I got up and headed to the elevator along with Theo. As soon as we stepped out of the elevator, we are lead to a double-bounded door.

As soon as I step in I say with a sarcastic tone, “ Oh my! Isn’t the CEO of Black Enterprises very punctual.”

The person sitting in the chair seemed startled to hear my voice and turned his chair around to face us. The sarcasm vanished from my face as I gawked at him. The jet black hair, those lips and the grey eyes all could belong to the one and only THAT man. He made no reply to my remark and I figured it out that anyone would happily forget about the horrible shit I pulled this person through. I felt a deep stab of pain at this humiliating thought.

He got up from his chair with a deep breath and staring right at me said, “ I am genuinely sorry for the delay.”

He then stretches out his hand for me to shake. I take his hand and he says, “ I’m Stephen. Stephen Renolds. CEO of Black Enterprises.” He says with a sarcastic tone and I was positive about why he was using that note. ‘Game on Mr. Renolds’.

“Good Morning. I am Christina Wills . CEO of Wills Enterprises.” I say with a don’t-you-dare-mess-with-me tone.

He looks at me with mockery in his eyes. Damn those eyes ! Theo clears his throat and I remove my hand from Stephen’s grasp.

“And this is Theo James. CEO of The James Company.” I  introduce Theo. “Well nice to meet you Mr. James.” He says with still an amused smile on his face. “So shall we get down to business.” He says in a work-like tone ; all mockery vanished. I nod as I take a chair opposite to him.

“ Mr. Theo I and would like to collaborate with Black Enterprise.” I say laying down the deal. His brows furrow together in confusion. “ Interesting. But what’s with this bizarre request ? I’m sure you are aware of the rivalry between us .”

“The problem lies in the rivalry itself. This feud among us three has been going on for quiet sometime and I believe it is time to end this feud with a pact.” Theo answers.

“ And what do I gain from this collaboration ?” Stephen asks clearly intrigued. “You get 40% shares of Wills Enterprise and 10% shares of The James Company.” I answer without any hesitation. Theo and Stephen both look at me clearly caught offguard.

After a few seconds, Stephen seems to recover himself. “ Well I find it to be an excellent deal and would gladly sign it.” He says taking the agreement from me.

“Are you sure Christina ?” Theo asks clearly doubting my sanity. I could only managed to give him a tiny smile.

As we were heading out Stephen calls out to me, “ Miss Wills please wait. Can I talk to you for a minute ?” I tell  Theo to leave without me as I turn to face Stephen.

Unexpectedly, his expression softens and he asks me, “ How are you holding up Christina ?”

My heart swells as he says those words and my inner goddess gives me a thumbs up. So he does remember me !!! “I’m doing alright.” I say trying to hide the sudden burst of happiness in my tone.

“ But why do you want to collaborate with me after all I could have a hand in the death of your parents “ he says with his brows furrowed again.

The previous me would have believed him. But after I read my mother’s letter I knew for sure that can’t be the scenario. “You will get to know the truth soon Stephen. But I need a favour.”

“What favour?” he asks clearly getting more confused. Oh! How I loved to see this face !

“I want to meet your parents.” I say as a matter of fact. “Okay.” He says after considering for a minute. “They live in California so it is a 18 hour drive from here. I’ll take you on Saturday.” He says “Thankyou.” I reply breathing a sigh of relief.

“ But I have a condition of my own. You have to be my friend.” He says with a small smile. “Okay Mr. Renolds I’ll be your friend.” I say cocking my head to one side. “ Now if you’ll excuse me my dear friend, I have business to attend to .” I start towards the door and smile to myself

STEPHEN

“Wait.” I call after Cristina. I had to make it up to her after the way I behaved and I was positive she was really angry with me after everything.

Christina ignored me and continued to walk. I half walked and half jogged to catch up with her. “ Why didn’t you wait for me ?” I asked clearly irritated.

“Well Stephen let me tell you as a friend that Christina Wills waits for no one.” She says with great pleasure and glares at me when I scoff at her. “What do you want?” she asks getting irritated again.

“I want to tag along.” I answer in the most pitiful way I could think of. “Aren’t you busy O’ Mighty CEO.” She asks raising her eyebrows a look of sarcasm in her eyes.

“Never enough to hang out with you Fair Maiden.”  I comment kissing her hand.

She laughs and finally looks at me. “Okay let’s go.” We go to where her Range Rover is parked. I was surprised to find the whole backseat covered with children’s clothing. “Are you married?” I ask dreading the answer.

She laughs her pretty laugh which I love and answers, “No, they are for someone else.” My mind does a little happy dance at her answer.

“So where are we going?” I ask intrigued. “Are you always so restless?” she asks rolling her eyes.

“It’s not my fault. For all I know you might be kidnapping me and planning to earn some money by selling my pretty face.” I answer. “You have a really wide imagination.” She says smiling at me .

“Guilty as charged.” I answer back with a wide grin.

Before I knew it my angel pulls up in front of an orphanage. She gets out of her seat and grabs the bags from the backseat. “What am I here for then?” I ask as I take the bags from her hand. She gives me a playful shove and beckons me to follow her.

As soon as she enters a group and by a group I mean a really huge group comes running towards us screaming ‘sister, sister’ as they come towards us. Christina smiles at them and gives each one of them a peck on the cheek. I can’t help but feel a pang of jealousy. After handing out the clothes to them we go to meet the owner.

One small girl comes running towards us. Christina’s eyes light up at the sight of her. “Annie!” she exclaims with arms wide open for her. Annie jumps into her arms and asks, “Who is this?”

Christina smiles at me and tells her, “He is a friend of mine and he came here specially to meet you Annie.”  “Really.” Annie asks with wide eyes. “Yup.” Christina answers back as we go meet the other kids.

At that point I notice that no matter how sad my angel is she always tries her best to keep the ones around her happy. Maybe that’s why I fell for her.

After saying our goodbyes we get in the car. “Well that was tiring. They can be quiet a handful.” I comment.

“Oh I didn’t know the great Mr.Renolds who runs a mighty tycoon can’t handle a handful of children.” “And in what way were they only a handful?” I retort with annoyance.

Christina laughs and flaunts one of her cute smiles. “Awww…. I’m sorry Stephen.” Damn that smile!

“So how long have you been going to the orphanage?” I ask nonchalantly. “Since I was four . My parents were really into charity and these kids have now become like a family to me so I feel at ease with them.” She answers.

After about twenty minutes of endless chatter we reach my company. Before I got off, I asked her, “Can I have your number?” “Why?” she questions.

I was quiet taken aback and did not know what to say, “Ummmm… cause..I..um..thought we were friends.” I managed to stammer. “Well I need to go now. Don’t forget this.” She says handing me my documents.

“Alright.” I say disappointed. She winks at me and drives away.

As soon as I reach the office I decide to go through the papers. A small piece of paper falls out as I empty the documents. As I pick it up to read it I notice something written.

986302-1-356 . Meet you on Saturday Stephen.

I shake my head as a smile escapes my lips. Oh what am I gonna do with you my angel.