Date

"A date?" I asked him. I was taken aback by what he said. Does that mean the date went well?

So… maybe Monica really likes him. I mean why would she? Braxton is an amazing man. He is always willing to go far and do everything for a girl.

She doesn't know him yet but I know that once she knows the real Braxton she would like him even more.

But damn, Artemesia. Why do you care so much? It's their thing to let them have it.

Why are you prasing Braxton so we'll? He is arrogant okay. He is not that nice.

"Yeah." He simply said.

See? Not nice.

"Contrary to what you said, we had a great time talking to each other. She was nice. There's more to her beauty." He said as he took off his reading glasses.

"Of course there is." My eyes remained on him. He didn't avoid my eyes. He stared back. What is wrong with me?

Why do I feel like he has something else to say? Other than stare at me?

I pursed my lips.

"Well, I'm happy for you." Are you, Artemesia? Are you really happy for him?

Of course I do but if this goes well. His date with Monica went well, and they hit it off. I'm not needed anymore. The contract will end. He won't need me to guide him or do something for him. I mean, not like I want it, you know.

"You can take the rest of the day off since we are going on a date." Braxton said and picked up the papers and transferred it to his left side.

I took a deep breath. Why am I tense?

"Don't you need any kind of advice? I can help you–" he cut me off.

"I'm good, thank you," He said.

My lips form a thin line. Why does it seems like he is kind of pushing me away? Or is this normal? Maybe it's just normal and I'm thinking so much.

"Alright. I'm going now Braxt— Mr. Bentley." I said and walked away.

See?

When I walked into his office I felt joy and sadness at the same time. I know that what we did worked but… I know deep inside that my contract with him would end soon and I could no longer have a reason to see him.

Tsk, why would I want to see him? Get a grip of yourself Artemesia!

Damn, why does he act like that? I thought we had a connection last night. I thought he was finally being nice to me but he doesn't really like to be around me?

Is that it? What is wrong with me? Why am I even thinking about it this much?

He is going on a date. I should be happy for him. If he wins Monica's heart I could be free to do something on my own. I could create songs that would connect me to other people. Something they can turn to when they feel sad, when they are happy or whatever they are feeling.

I went home with a heavy heart. I don't have anything to do outside. So I read another book, hoping it would make me feel lighter and make me get rid of Braxton in my mind. It's bugging me and I don't like it.

I don't want to think about what they are doing. I don't even want to picture them flirting together. Tsk. And so what if they are happy? I should.be happy with them right?

Cut it off, Artemesia. Don't make yourself go crazy for that arrogant handsome bachelor billionaire!

I shook my head and grabbed another book.

Rinesa has tall dreams for herself. She will do everything to urge what she needs indeed in the event that it implies burying the recollections and overlooking the man she cherishes. She is prepared to utilize her excellence and ability to attain fame. All men are interested with her, they are willing to provide everything fair to urge her. Rinesa met Sepher Mondragon, a wealthy and good looking commerce head honcho who bolsters her college finance and family. He is able to provide her extravagance and notoriety. One day when Sepher arranged for Rinesa to meet his family. She didn’t anticipate she would cross ways once more with Elix, the man he cleared out for her dreams. Who turned out to be Sepher’s stepbrother.

Desire and Cherish start once more between them. Elix is enthusiastic to entice and win her over his stepbrother. Rinesa couldn't stand up to the enticement, her cherish for Elix shimmered once more. She taken after what her heart wants and covered up everything from Sepher. When Rinesa's Close relative met Elix who she knew as her childhood companion, she constrained her to remain absent from him and rushed Rinesa's marriage to urge cash from Sepher for her claim intrigued.

In the interim, Rinesa's cousin, Rosalia is constrained to date Elix so her mother can have a sumptuous life when Rinesa and Rosalia get hitched to the kin. But Elix never enjoyed Rosalia. Rinesa and Sepher's engagement party was full of media and celebrities, Rosalia and her Close relative were welcomed. Suddenly, a photo of Rinesa and Elix with their lips bolted came out. In a seethe, Sepher surged in and punched Sepher, which Elix countered. Rinesa was in the long run harmed.

She conceded the truth, that he loved his brother. She thought that her marriage with Sepher would not proceed since of that but he did not concur. She bolted Rinesa within the room, she chose not to eat trusting that Sepher would feel too bad for her and return her to her Close relative, but rather than her Close relative protecting her from Sepher's injurious acts, she included salt to the wound. Harming her more, physically, rationally, sincerely. Elix came to protect but Sepher caught them, he finished up shooting his stepbrother, splashed in his claim blood, making him lose his awareness. Sepher and Elix Father came to the house seeing the chaos. Rinesa is constrained by their father to take off both of his children, without giving her any penny. Her close relative is angry when she finds out what happened, not since Rinesa is harmed but since the extravagant and well off life slips off her hands. She went to the Mondragons' house with Rinesa, where Rinesa saw Elix who looked like he had fair been discharged from the healing center. She’s concerned almost him and attempted to put a few sense into him but some time recently she seem indeed express a word. Elix’s Father told him that Rinesa chose half a million over him. He felt sold out, he’s in torment and frantic ather so he tossed her out.

Four a long time later, Rinesa got to be a popular vocalist, she come to her dream, her relationship with her close relative and cousin got to be great, all was fine not until their ways crossed again. Elix Mondragon got to be the official maker of their record name. Whereas celebrating the fruitful discharge of her unused music, Rinesa couldn’t stand up to Elix's hotness. Rinesa thought they seem go back to what they were some time recently, not until Elix communicated his adore to somebody else after they shared a enthusiastic night. The another day she gone up against him but she finished up opening the wounds. Elix still accepts that Rinesa utilized him. In spite of the fact that she didn't feel well, she proceeded her shopping center visit with Brandon, a artist on the same record name who got to be her companion and found her messed up in that circumstance. She had no choice but to tell him the truth. After that shopping center visit, he met a youthful fan, Selena, who turned out to be Sepher's girl. They both accommodated. After the two cleared out, a lovely lady taken after, she communicated how she adores her work. She was stunned when she found out her fan’s title when she's around to sign the cd of her collection. It was the title of the young lady Elix expressed after they made adore. It turns out she’s truly the young lady and they’re locked in and she inquired her to sing at their wedding.

She doesn’t have a choice but to acknowledge it. At that point they went to Elix’s house for wedding planning. Lisa inquired her a favor to urge her wedding dress but Elix as it were knows the boutique. She rides with him. When they come to the boutique the architect thought she’s the bride and made her attempt wedding dresses at that point after Elix uncovered she's fair a wedding singer. On the way to Elix’s house, the car broke down, they’re both stranded on a forsaken street. Rinesa can't offer assistance herself to confront him but it didn’t make her feel way better since within the conclusion Elix still chose Lisa over her.

On Elix’s single men party that Sepher did he welcomed Rinesa to sing there, they both dueted a tune. Elix can't take his eyes off her. Inebriated Elix kissed her. On the day of Lisa and Elix's wedding and what happened at Elix's lone rangers party spread, it come to Lisa who knew everything. At long last, Rinesa yielded, some time recently she seem take off the dressing room, there was a sudden fire around her. A wooden cabinet fell, blocking Lisa’s way out of the room. Rinesa attempted to assist her but she finished up caught interior the room when she liberated Lisa, she looked for offer assistance and when Elix found out approximately it he surged to the room, not disapproving the huge fire and smoke. He discharged Rinesa securely but she did not wake up. Elix found out that Rinesa was pregnant with their child but passed on due to a fire mischance. Weekshad passed, Elix got to be hopeless since of what happened to Rinesa, Sepher told him almost that truth, their father lied to him and he still had a child, Rinesa just hid it from him. He stood up to him to fix himself since Rinesa is still battling on the healing center bed. Rinesa marvelously woke up. He asked for absolution and confessed her undying adore for her. They got back together and arranged a wedding. Rinesa resigned from her music career and centers on her family and commerce. At the side her cherishing spouse, they don’t fuck up in life any longer.

Even though I read the book thoroughly I can't help but think about Braxton. He keeps on showing up Everytime I picture the male protagonist of the story who is handsome and sexy. Damn it. I need to read another book that won't make me think of him!

I grabbed another one and went outside of my house. Maybe I need to read in the park so there's a good breeze of wind to calm my man and my heart.

I looked for a good seat in the park, but there was no one. I'm lucky enough huh? I can have all the peace that I needed.

I opened the book and read it.

Archie is characterized as a carefree individual who lacks empathy for others and disregards rules due to his parents' tendency to shield him from consequences. Therefore, when Caz, a newcomer from the countryside, embarrasses him by falsely accusing her of being a stalker, he takes it as a personal offense and refuses to let it go. He strongly dislikes Caz because she is consistently unintelligent and uncoordinated, and whenever she is present she manages to spoil everything for him. Despite his desire to be free of her, he finds himself strangely drawn to her because she bear a resemblance to a girl he once met at a bar. Although they share a striking resemblance in their physical features, Caz and the woman he encountered at the bar exhibit contrasting behavior and apparel; Caz comes across as timid and awkward, while the woman emanates seductiveness and assurance. Despite his strong dislike for her, Archie rescues her from drowning and goes to great lengths to win a piñata competition in order to gift her with all the sweets. Despite his uncertainty towards his emotions, he finds himself unable to look away from her pure and profound eyes and is willing to go to great lengths just to catch a glimpse of her serene grin. The entire university has taken note of Archie's particular interest in the studious young lady.

Inez, the former girlfriend of Archie, struggles to come to terms with the idea that the most attractive and affluent man is showing a great deal of interest in an individual who is perceived as unintelligent and bookish. She quickly bullied her without any delay. Inez caused a commotion, and to everyone's surprise, Joshua aided Caz instead of his own sibling. Jealousy gradually took over Archie as he found himself unable to stop squinting his eyes. In the wake of that incident, Caz went to great lengths to steer clear of him, something Archie picked up on, leading him to take matters into his own hands and confront her. However, his efforts were met with disappointment when she rejected him. After being turned down by a person who was considered nerdy, he became extremely angry. In an attempt to alleviate his emotions, he decided to party with his companions. Once he became intoxicated, he tried to relax outside the establishment. He no longer felt the effects of the alcohol as he watched Caz exit the bar in a striking red dress that was far different from her usual nerdy appearance, causing him to see her as the same girl he had spotted at the bar earlier that evening. He made an effort to pursue her but she disappeared in a mere moment. Archie wakes up with a hangover and is hesitant about the authenticity of what he witnessed. He refrains from impulsively confronting her since he foresees her denying it. He is determined to gather evidence to validate his observations.

He has numerous concerns weighing on his mind, but he plans to address each one methodically. He plans to unravel the enigma surrounding Caz, a feral individual disguised as a studious girl. From the moment he spotted Caz at the bar, her demeanor and conduct underwent a transformation. She seems to be attempting to take over Inez's position as the top attractive girl. As anticipated by Archie, Caz strode into the campus exuding a charismatic and distinctly feminine energy. Appearing quite dissimilar compared to her previous nerdy fashion. Everyone was taken aback, even Wilder who had an inkling of what was going to occur. Despite his attempts to engage her in conversation, she appeared too absorbed in the admiration she was receiving from others. Despite Ava's attempt to bully her again, it didn't work and only made Ava look bad in the eyes of those who previously admired her for her physical appearance. However, presently, there is an individual who is superior to her and no longer maintains a fondness for her. Caz transformed into the dominant figure, echoing the common narrative of nerds ascending to royalty, but unfortunately succumbed to malevolence. The girl she used to be, who was unintelligent and awkward, is now a thing of the past. Archie has realized that the attractive lady at the bar is being regarded as desirable. After undergoing a queen bee makeover, she emerged as a top-notch student with both physical attractiveness and academic prowess. However, her demeanor shifted, becoming more confrontational and haughty. Although she attempted to flirt with Archie, he managed to resist her advances. Nonetheless, he found the interaction odd and unsettling as she had a tendency to quickly transition back to her nerdy persona, leaving Archie feeling perplexed.

Amidst the party's intoxicating atmosphere, the woman and Archie consume excessive amounts of alcohol and engage in a physical relationship. At that point in time, Archie came to the realization that Caz was indeed the person meant for him, and he no longer had any reservations or uncertainties about her. Fertine transformed into a girl who loved to party and inexplicably engaged in fights with other girls, while Archie appeared to be unfazed. The situation deteriorated significantly after the arrival of a wealthy out-of-town student at the university who appears to be familiar with Caz. All of a sudden, Caz is unsure of her actions and feels like a completely altered individual. Dismissing it as teasing, Archie chose to ignore it. While Joshua was attempting to comprehend Caz's situation by acknowledging her medical condition, an unexpected scream interrupted their conversation.

Adam was discovered engaging in non-consensual sexual behavior with Caz, but he managed to avoid repercussions by claiming that she had given him permission, even though she was unaware of the situation. Archie began to lose his affection for Caz as his patience wore thin. The girl he knew is not as innocent as she used to be, despite him appreciating her efforts to conform to society. She has changed to such an extent that she almost seems like a different person taking over Caz. It suddenly dawns on him that Joshua might be correct in thinking that Caz has a condition. The doctor's affirmation rendered him sleepless that night. The following day, he witnessed Inez harassing Caz, but noticed that the once aloof and self-assured girl had disappeared. Therefore, he shielded Caz from Inez's anger. Although Caz had prior knowledge of her alter, she made efforts to push it away and prevent its emergence. However, upon Wilder's arrival, she became aware and allowed her alter to take control. The situation took a turn for the worse after a video scandal featuring Cazandra, known for her daring, alluring, and self-assured persona, surfaced online.

Despite her daughter's mental health struggles, Caz's mother was disheartened upon finding out about the situation. Her attempts to portray herself as innocent were met with disdain by others due to their knowledge of her promiscuous behavior. The savagery of their cutting remarks left a deep wound in her heart and mind, as they passed unkind judgments on her. She's becoming convinced of her insanity and is deliberately creating distance between herself and Archie to prevent him from being entangled in her instability. Although Wilder attempted to convince her, she ultimately decided to break up with him, stating that she hoped he would find someone who did not struggle with the same condition as she did, allowing him to end the relationship in a more typical manner.

After a period of five years, Archie obtained a degree in psychology and became a professional in the field. Rather than pursuing his intended route in business or taking over his family's business, he opted to assist those struggling with mental health issues. One day, he chanced upon a young girl whose pure gaze brought to mind Caz and her similar innocence. Five years later, he spotted Caz in the company of Joshua and assumed that they were a couple, which made him feel despondent. Finding out that Caz's daughter is the little girl in the hospital can completely ruin his day. Despite Joshua's current association with him, Wilder's determination to seek her out and gain insights into her current state will remain unchanged. Therefore, he made the choice to exchange roles with his therapist. After surrendering control of Caz, he consents to a pre-planned union with Ines, the sibling of Joshua, in order to maintain proximity to Caz.

He realizes that simply finding Caz's mother is not sufficient. Therefore, he seeks to restore the connection with her. However, upon meeting her, he discovers that she is unaware of her daughter's ailment. Although he had no intention of revealing this fact, it slipped out. He strategized a way for Caz and her mother to encounter each other. However, his desires were not fulfilled as he had hoped. Despite anticipating a thankful and cheery reaction from Caz, she turned angry with him as he disclosed her condition to her mother. She did not want her mother to hold herself accountable for the unfortunate event that befell her. Caz was traumatized after her mother left her with their neighbor whom she believed to be a friend. Unfortunately, her friend's husband abused her while she was still young, leading to the development of her alter. To prevent her from being exposed to such individuals, her persona is assuming her role, rather than Caz. After learning about her history, Archie's fondness for her has only grown as he admires her for persevering through all of the obstacles and difficulties she faced and triumphing over them. He deeply regrets mistreating her in the past solely based on her appearance and without getting to know her.

After a period of smooth sailing, Caz awoke in an unfamiliar location, far from her recollection, which signaled the return of Cazandra. Wilder noticed Joshua and Betty together and assumed that he was being unfaithful to Caz. However, Betty quickly clarified that they were merely siblings. Joshua and Caz are not in a relationship as Caz has been neglected by his father. Caz was conceived during an adulterous relationship between his mother, who worked as a maid, and a married wealthy man. Despite her decision to end the affair, she was already pregnant at the time. The biological father and the girl have met, but the girl's mother is unaware of their encounter.

Even though Archie attempted to inform Caz about Joshua's infidelity, she simply ignored his warning. During a family dinner gathering, Wilder admits to Caz that his feelings for her have remained strong over the years. However, Inez overhears this conversation and becomes irrationally angry. She proceeds to make hurtful comments, including sharing the fact that Caz and Wilder are stepsiblings, which could potentially harm Caz's reputation. The news was so shocking that Archie couldn't find his voice to respond. Having been informed of the truth, Joshua is aware that he is not the biological father of Jennie, the young girl whom he encountered at the hospital. The possession belonged to him. He felt extremely happy as he asked Caz to marry him and decided to end his engagement with Inez. Caz agrees to marry with joy, but towards the end, when he kisses her, she reacts with a flinch and a smirk. It appears that the nymphomaniac part of her personality is still present and she remains in a good relationship with the nerdy Caz who she loves.

I was so invested in the story that I didn't realize it was already sunset. I decided to go back home. I looked at my phone hoping to see a message of despair from someone but it didn't happen. Why am I so worried about him? I'm sure he's going to make the date okay. He will be alright on his own when he is old enough.

The next day I don't have as much energy as I thought I would. I was so cranky and lazy to move. I wasn't even in the mood to eat breakfast but still I went to the office. Good thing Braxton wasn't there.

It's very convenient for me that Braxton is nowhere near me. I can have my personal space without his presence making me feel uncomfortable and awkward.

I was talking to my coworkers, as it should be because I'm an employee of this company. I was having fun with them, They are pretty normal, some recognize me because of the stupid news that is written about me but I shut it off. Good thing they never brought the topic back because I don't know how to freaking handle it. While I was chit chatting with them, Braxton walked in and stared at him.

He is late.

Well, someone was pretty late last night. Maybe the date went well and they did more than talking.

Gosh, Artemesia why your mind is so dirty. Cut it off. I shook my head and went on to talk with the other employees since it is lunch break but Braxton called for me.

I don't have the choice but to go inside his office.

"Good morning— afternoon Sir." I corrected myself. I'm used to saying good morning to him. Well not now.

He was sitting on the sofa, not on his swivel chair. His hand over his head. Maybe he is hungover and he just realized it.

I guess so.

"Get me coffee." He said.

"Right away sir." I answered. I don't want to be nosy around him anymore. Even though I'm fucking curious as hell. I won't even ask it. I know he is just going to show off his nasty arrogance and attitude and I'm not up for it. I don't care if they had a good date. In fact it is also good for him because I won't see him anymore.

Yes, that's right.

After I'm done with his coffee, I put it on his desk and reached for the door knob.

"Ms. Vena." I stopped when he called for me.

I pursed my lips and turned around with a smile.

"Yes sir?" He raised his head and threw a glance at me.

He sighed as if he was burdened with something and he was trying to say it to me.

Why is he acting weird?

"Nothing," he said.

I nodded and left his office. I won't bother him. Not anymore. Since he doesn't need it. He said it himself he doesn't need me.

After that day he didn't ask for me again. I'm becoming like a real secretary here already.

After my shift. I went home and prepared myself to get groceries outside. I wanted to make something that I hadn't made before. I like cooking so much, before I told myself that if I didn't make it as a singer songwriter I should just learn how to be a great cook.

So my future husband will like everything that I cook, he can't wait to come home from work just to be fed by my food. That's what I'm thinking but that's all in my mind. I know it wouldn't happen because my reputation is stained as hell.

I would be lucky if someone trips and hits his head and falls in love with me. After I got the groceries, I walked home since the supermarket is just near my house, a few blocks away from my home. So I walked, carrying a paper bag full of fruits and veggies. I'm going to experiment today and I will give Mossy some of it if it tastes good.

I was about to get inside my house when someone called my name from behind.

"Artemesia?" A familiar voice said.

I turned around. My eyes widened when I saw Tommy in front of me.

What is he doing here? Did Rachel ask him to go here to make me apologize for what I did? For leaving the party so soon?

You can't make someone apologize for that so what is he doing here?

"Tommy, why are you here?" I asked.

His eyes remained on me. I pursed my lips and tried to pick up the paper bag that I'm carrying because it's losing a little on my grip.

"Let me help you," he suggested.

"No it is alright, why are you here Tommy?" I asked once again.

I scanned him. His hair is not fixed, it's like he didn't brush it for a week, his cheeks are red and his face too. His plaid shirt is crumpled like paper. I bet he doesn't know anything about iron.

Why does he look like that? Why does he look miserable and rugged? Isn't he supposed to be happy because he is engaged with Rachel?

I'm not sure but he looks kinda drunk to me and how does he find out where I live?

Is Rachel giving my address to anyone she knows? What will she get from it?

"I… I came here to talk to you." He scratched his head.

My brows furrowed. What does he want to talk about?

"It's late at night Tommy, you should go home. Does Rachel know you are here?"

"That bitch? No, she didn't know Artemesia. No one will know about us."

"What?" I asked him, confused about what he was saying.

Now I'm sure he is drunk, he is talking nonsense.