Love

After what I wrote I still can't sleep so I decided to read another freaking story, I swear to myself that this would be the last book that I will read because I'm tired of reading books that made me believe in love, that made me think I was bound to love but the truth is I'm not.

Maybe I was made to be just like this, like who I was. I'm not closing the door for it but who knows right?

I took a deep breath and grabbed another book to read.

Ella is an aspiring singer who is now facing several obstacles in her career.

She has a reputation for being a neurotic clingy dater due to the many men she dated but ended up hurting herself with. When her heart was shattered, she composed songs about how she felt. She expresses herself in writing after every relationship, which is why her number of haters grows steadily. Her detractors are sick of the money she makes from songs about her exes, which she writes to increase her fame. Because her coffee was stolen from her favourite coffee shop that morning, she is running late to her biggest collaboration with a famous singer. Even though he told the clerk to let her order what she wants, she still feels slighted because they're both late to the meeting and the conceited person who snatched her coffee is still on her mind the entire time. When her manager Zayn yelled at her, she was too preoccupied by her thoughts to respond. He's having an argument with Julie's boss. The famous artist they'd like to work with, but who is so diva-like that Ella can't help but roll her eyes whenever she's mentioned. Since Ella is unwilling to engage in any seductive body exposure for the music video, Julia's manager ultimately opted not to work with them. Zayn was berating her about what she'd done when they heard her name on the news. She's used to hearing her name on TV, but the headline takes her by surprise. She looks at the photo from outside the coffee shop and can't believe it was taken during the argument she had with the coffee thief. Even worse, the title announced that she had already found her next victim, the subject of her breakup songs; and he wasn't some ordinary guy, either; he was the popular millionaire bachelor. She doesn't even remember him, but after seeing the image of their hands on the coffee cup, she knows they're a pair and she understands why he's so cocky: he's a billionaire who always gets what he wants.

No matter how much she tries, nobody will believe her if she tries to clear her name. For the time being, he should go into hiding, as instructed by Zayn. Don't go near her house or she'll be surrounded by paparazzi. Instead of relaxing at home as Zayn suggested, she went shopping. She stopped by an ice cream parlour for a break, expecting the cold treat would help her cool head. Instead, she was distracted by the news broadcasting on the shop's screen. It was that cocky Harry at the meeting; he made it clear that he had zero connection to Ella and doesn't even know her. The way he stated it, as if he were disgusted with her, even though it's true, really upsets her. A mall show, which turned out to be Julie's, prevents her from staying any longer in the coffee shop. Julie was being hounded by fans because one of them had seen her watching the news and recognised her. She's forced to abandon her family for a second time.

The paparazzi's nasty aura follows her even to the mall. She returned to the meeting room and was shocked to see Harry, the coffee thief, waiting for her there. She has no interest in engaging him in conversation; she may be perplexed, but she refuses to allow her curiosity overcome her dignity. Didn't he feel disgust? Why, then, is he standing before her? As it turned out, he was eyeing her for a flirtatious role. Hopefully he'll learn how to flirt with women. When she heard it, she burst into peals of laughing. He appears to be fooling with her, but then his expression changes to one of seriousness. She would never sign a contract that Zayn coerced her into signing. She left the meeting room determined not to sign the contract offering to be Harry's flirting guru in exchange for a lifelong recording contract.

She was out for a stroll when she was spotted by a customer at a nearby coffee shop. It was the dashing Luther, who claimed to have seen her frequently sitting on the bench with her journal. They had a nice chat, but it was the last peaceful moment of her day since shortly thereafter she ran into Harry at the same coffee shop, where he was desperately attempting to persuade her to change her mind. When the paparazzi saw them, they did what they always do and swarmed her with intrusive questions and cameras. This time, however, she had nowhere to hide.

She can no longer be saved. She wants to yell at them for invading her personal space, but she restrains herself. There she saw Braxton, who she assumed was offering assistance rather than the contract. But he won't assist her escape the paparazzi in his car until she signs the contract. The following day, she visited his workplace to discuss the terms of their agreement and the lessons she would be teaching him. When Harry spotted her ex-boyfriends' names on paper, she started playing. She was instructed to tell the tale of their first encounter, complete with their mutual flirtation. She must tell him about the first man who made her heart beat faster. She gushed to him about how much she had changed her mind about him in just a week, calling him "amazing." She showed him her very basic flirting skills. In short order, Harry began to wonder if he had made the correct decision in hiring her. She suggested he sign up for Instagram in order to communicate with and potentially follow the woman he has feelings for.

Ella finds out that the girl Harry is trying to flirt with is actually the heiress to a multimillion-dollar fortune. Harry is at a loss after hearing Taylor's greeting and phones Ella despite it being her day off. When he arrived at her residence, he saw her wearing a long white dress. She has a wedding to attend, so he will have to make nice with her. There he learned the horrible truth about how Ella's family treats her. They were held back rather than lifted by her notoriety. To spare her family's feelings of shame, Ella decided to leave the wedding with him. Ella returned to Harry's office for another round of their flirting class, this time dressed formally to avoid raising suspicion among his staff.

When Harry's friend Liam first saw her, he assumed she was interviewing for a position; however, she is Harry's secretary. Because of Harry, she is able to juggle two tasks in a single instant. They have lunch together and carry on their fling throughout their break. He learned everything there was to know about reading women's minds from Artemesia. Harry has asked Taylor's friend Ella to a charity gala so that he may learn how to flirt with her. However, this does not stop them from dancing and making out. creating doubt in Taylor's mind about his love for her. While driving Ellah home, he couldn't help but be captivated by her beauty and upbeat spirit. But he said nothing, just as Ella is trying to keep herself from speaking for fear of saying the wrong thing since she can't hear her own thoughts over the pounding on her chest.

Ella's mood takes a turn for the worst when she learns that Harry is going on a date with Tayllr to get to know her better, despite her cheerful arrival at his workplace. Even as she smiled, she knew it was fake. Harry's account of a fantastic evening with her the next day was spot on. She was relieved and saddened by the prospect of never seeing him again after her contract with him expired. She goes to a pub in an effort to escape Harry, only to run into him there. When an ex of hers turned over to torment her, he stepped in to protect her. Liam quickly realised that Ella was just her expert flirt, and he proceeded to make advances on her that made Harry envious.

The fact that the argument was caught on camera only adds fuel to the fire for Ella and Harry. Online, it quickly became viral. For this reason, Harry's dad had a talk with her. He came clean and admitted to Ella that he had sought her advice on how to seduce Taylor. The fact that Ella's parents didn't immediately believe her didn't surprise her. Harry has extended an invitation to her. She went on a date with Zayn, and while there, she met Braxton's mom. Only Harry's mum has been nice to her, and she didn't understand why mum became pale and eyes enlarged when they revealed dad's identity and last name. She blacks out unexpectedly and has to be sent home so that the festivities don't get wrecked. She decided to write a song about her exes while going through her phonebook. The truth that she already loved Harry dawned on her. She plans to perform the song for him and sing it herself.

Harry had already declared his fake engagement to Taylor before she could express her true feelings towards him. Since Braxton was not present, she cried after playing the song for him. Now he's hanging out with Taylor. She was seen by Harry's mum. She told her that she resembles her father in many ways. It turns out that Harry Mom was her father's first love. Because his father is a struggling musician, they have to end their relationship. Her father always intended his songs for Harry Mother, not Ella Mother. She avoids anything that can remind her of the Harrys or their legacy. A few days later, Harry knocks on her door, and she gives him some sound advise. After that, she stopped caring about him. She feels terrible. Her mother's frigid treatment of her can be attributed to Harry's undying affection for his mother. The image of Harry leaving Ella's residence quickly went viral on the internet. Harry's dad has a lot of anger. The messages of affection from Ella Dad were forwarded to Braxton by her mother.

When Harry's dad saw it, it crushed her feelings even more. He warned her to avoid Harry, whom she had assisted in order to secure a recording contract. He didn't just insult her; he wanted to upset his wife, too, because Harry Mom still has feelings for Ella Dad. Since Ella was the one who pushed Harry's mum, she was the one who got smacked. After seeing Artemesia shove Braxton's mom, Monica assumed that Ella was responsible for the harm done to Harry's mother. She would like to aid Braxton's mum, but she must leave in order to do so. Braxton was waiting for her at the top of the skyscraper, but she was unable to approach him since he was holding a list of her exes. He approaches her and claims she stole his idea for a song. Taylor confronted him, explaining that she had pushed her mother. After that, things proceeded from bad to worse, and she was left defenceless in the face of scorn and disgrace. She abruptly cut ties with Harry and didn't say goodbye.

Two years later, she's settled into a quiet life on her grandfather's farm, where she can be herself without judgement. On the same day she and Harry met, she also met Louis, the man Harry had seen in the cafe. The largest piece of land actually belongs to his father. They got close, and she would often play him songs she had written for him. After accepting an invitation from Louis to perform, she did so at a local eatery. Ella is a hit with the diner patrons. People are so impressed by her music that a video of her singing went viral after being posted online for only an hour. Putting her fame back on the map. When she sang the same song for her adoring fans at a restaurant, she was taken aback to discover Harry sitting in the audience. When she saw him, she bolted out the door immediately.

His previous record label was still there the following day, even though he wasn't. Because of the success of that single song, Julie's manager has offered her a recording contract. She turned down the opportunity since the restaurant's proprietors are close to her heart and she can't forget what they did to her. Since she already knew Mossy, she accepted Liam's offer of a record deal, but only on one condition. She had no idea that Harry invested in a record label for the sole purpose of signing her to it. On the day they were recording the song, she saw him and was taken aback. She can't revoke her signature now that she's committed to the agreement.

She promised Harry that their relationship would remain strictly professional, but her feelings for him deceived her. He became so envious of Louis that he was about to punch him, and then he addressed Artemesia about his feelings for her that were returned. When Harry told her that he knew everything about his mother's love for his father, she burst into tears. It wasn't the most romantic setting for their first kiss as a relationship, but they eventually made up and shared it in the middle of the road.

Although Harry's father was opposed to having her as a wife, he didn't mind at all. He will no longer submit to his father's authority. He's determined not to repeat his mother's missteps. The plans he had with Taylor have been scrapped. His father grabbed all of his money, but he didn't mind because the record company he bought for Ella ended up being a huge success because to her skills. He started his own company and returned to his former status as a billionaire within a month.

On the other hand, Ella shed her reputation as a psycho-clingy dater and became a successful singer. Because now everyone knows her as Ella Styles. The brave woman who overcame her doubts and died as the person she had always imagined herself to be.

After I read the book, I prepared for my work. When I went to work Bracton asked me to go to his car and wait for him. He said he needed to go somewhere for a business meeting and he needed me.

Oh how good it sounds…

He needs me.

While we are in the car I can't help but glance at him.

"What is it?" He asked.

"Nothing." I said as I pursed my lips.

"What is it?"

"Nothing, I said nothing Sir." I said.

"Alright," he shrugged.

The ride was long, maybe it was long enough because I'm trying not to do anything stupid with Braxton.

We went to a factory to check the machinery. I don't think I'm much needed there but Braxton brought me so I have no choice but to be a secretary to him.

After we are done we get into the car to go back to the office. I was sitting in the passenger seat.

"Can I talk to you about something?"

I looked at him when he spoke.

"Of course, what is it?"

"Nah, nevermind."

"Come on Braxton, I'm your flirting expert after all."

He sighed.

"I'm starting to feel like Monica is a little too clingy."

My brows furrowed.

"Really? What's been going on?"

"Well, she wants to spend all her free time with me and gets upset if I want to do something on my own. She also texts me constantly and wants to know what I'm doing all the time."

"That does sound pretty intense. Have you talked to her about it?" I asked.

"Yeah, I've tried, but she just says she misses me and wants to be close to me all the time. I don't want to hurt her feelings, but it's starting to feel suffocating."

"I can understand that. It's important to have space and time for yourself in a relationship. Maybe you could try setting some boundaries and letting her know that you need some alone time sometimes?" I told him.

"Yeah, I think that's a good idea. I just don't want to upset her or make her feel like I don't care about her." Of course you don't want that to happen Braxton.

"I get that, but ultimately it's important for both of you to have healthy boundaries and space in your relationship. Maybe if you explain it to her in a gentle way, she'll understand and respect your needs."

I told him what he needs to know. I thought he wanted Monica's attention but now that he got it, it is suffocating him.

I don't understand. He likes Monica so much.

Or else something has changed his mind?

My thoughts fade away when Braxton clears his throat.

"Thank you."

"Thank me for what?" I asked.

"For being there for me. You've been a really great flirting expert. I know that you did your best to help me make Monica fall in love with me."

"And she is." Of course she is in love with you Braxton, who wouldn't? Even I have a freaking love crisis within myself.

His eyes remained on me.

"Yeah, I guess so. But I just wanted to make sure you knew how much I appreciate everything you've done for me."

"Of course, I know. You don't have to be shy about it, you know. After all, you are my employer right?" I laughed.

"I know, it's just... sometimes it's hard for me to express my feelings. I don't want to come across as too cheesy or anything."

"I get that, but it's okay to be honest with your feelings. It doesn't make you any less of a person."

"Thanks." He said.

I gulped as I stared at him. He looked down on my lips, warmth crept up my cheeks and my heart was beating fast.

Is he…

Is he going to kiss me?

He leaned forward.

Damn it!

Is he going to kiss me?

"Braxton…" I muttered.

Before he could even come closer to me his phone rang. He pursed his lips and answered the call.

After the call he decided to drive me home. He did and we said our goodbyes. I tried to call Dalton because he asked me to go with him to an event. He sent me the address of his office and I went there. I greeted him as I opened the door.

"Artemesia," he said.

"Hi." My head tilted as I looked at him. He looked confused for some reason. Is he expecting someone other than me?

We both sat on the couch of his office.

Suddenly, Dalton's phone vibrates on the coffee table. He quickly picks it up and looks at the screen. He seems excited for some reason.

"Oh, it's just a text from work."

I gave him a skeptical look.

"You sure? Are you expecting a call or something?"

Dalton hesitates, but eventually gives me the phone even though I was not asking, I'm just asking. As I read the text message, my expression turns from confusion to shock.

"Oh…"

He is texting a girl who is completely in love with him. And I'm pretty sure he's is also in love with this girl but he is too dumb to see it.

"That is nothing Artemesia, that is just a text."

"What are you talking about?" I asked him.

"Huh?" He asked.

"Are you crazy?"

"Look, Artemesia I can explain." He said in his defense.

"I don't need your explanation Dalton, you are clearly in love with this girl so why are you with me? Go chase her".

"Huh?" He asked.

"Go with her," I said.

"Aren't you mad? Aren't you going to say 'Don't play dumb with me! I just read a text message from some girl named Emily saying she can't wait to see you tonight.' Aren't you going to say something like that?"

What? He thinks I would react like that?

"No, of course not."

Dalton tries to come up with an excuse, but I'm not having it. Why would I be? Dalton deserves someone who is exactly in love with him. Not me. He is a good friend but that is all I can give to him.

"I'm sorry, Artemesia. I didn't mean for it to happen. I know, and I'm sorry. I messed up, and I don't know how to fix it. Artemesia please. I know I messed up. Can't we work it out?"

He looked so apologetic right now.

I stood up and started pacing around the room, trying to process how I asked him to leave me and just chase the girl. I mean I know to myself that I'm not in love with Dalton, I like someone else…

"I can't Dalton, you are in love with someone else. Why do you want to stay with me?"

"But—" I cut him off.

"It's okay Dalton, don't think about me I'm fine." I said to him as I walked towards the door. Dalton looks defeated.

I don't know why but I felt relieved when I told Dalton the truth. It is true I'm fine with him chasing another girl. After all I can only see him as a friend, nothing more, nothing else. That's all. Besides he is Braxton's friend, I don't want him to be with someone else he doesn't actually love.

I went to Braxton's office the next day. I don't know why but a smile is plastered all over my face through the night.

"Good morning, Braxton." He looked at me as I entered the office.

"I mean, good morning Sir." I corrected myself.

"Is everything okay? You seem a little happy, way too happy."

"Can't I be happy without any reason?"

"Okay, but.." he said.

"Well, there is something I wanted to talk to you about, but I'm not sure how to say it."

"You can tell me anything, Ms. Vena. What's on your mind?"

I took a deep breath, gathering her courage.

'I... I think I'm in love with you, Braxton.'

Braxton is taken aback by my confession, but before he can respond, I quickly add…

Now I feel embarrassed.

'But please don't worry about it, it's just a silly crush. I don't want to make things awkward between us.'

'Ms. Vena, I appreciate your honesty, but I don't think it's a good idea for us to pursue anything beyond a professional relationship. It's important to maintain a certain level of distance in the workplace, and I don't want to compromise that.'

I nodded, feeling embarrassed but also relieved that Braxton is handling the situation so gracefully.

I sighed.

'I understand. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said anything.'

'No need to apologize, Ms. Vena. I respect your feelings, and I'm flattered that you think so highly of me. But let's focus on work, okay?'

I nodded, feeling a little disappointed but also grateful that Braxton has been so understanding.

"Ms. Vena?" Braxton asked.

My thoughts fade away. Damn it, I already imagined what it would be like if I told him that I have feelings for him.

Damn it.

"Uh… nothing. Can I file a sick leave?" I asked him.

"Damn it. I need to sort out my feelings."

His head tilted as he crossed his arms.

"Alright."

That day I can't focus, all I can think about is him, even when I'm just at home. So this time I decided to write a story, or a song. Whatever my mind takes me, I need to get rid of this feeling.

You're a dream that didn't happen. You're a place that I don't want to be in. The ring just fell off my finger. Don't be sad if any of you didn't last. At least the two of you happened and it's more than just a lust. I gave everything I could. All my first is you. But you left me like I'm nothing for you. This is shit why you just want my body not me?

Why is it always like this? Why can't I find a man who fits me? Who loves me and not my body. Who would stay with me till the evening

See all those signs coming. I ignored them and now I'm running. Should I chase you or leave you? Your such a shit and it's true

Believe me love I know this will happen. I just don't know when it will be coming. So let me tell you all the things I knew. He's just a guy who's broke and confused.

This girl is too polite and talks to him. And the next thing They're already lovers. You said I love you but love I can see it in your eyes. It's still her. I know I just couldn't find myself back.

I took a deep breath as I looked at what I wrote. No… I can't write this. I crumpled the paper where I wrote it. I tried to write once again.

My affection for you is unseen by you.

It means the world to me that a man of his caliber loves someone as unremarkable as me. To have met you is the best thing that has ever happened to me. Your charming grin, combined with your sharp mind and warm heart, captivated me.

You truly are the best there is. There has never been a man quite like you. You have been there for me through thick and thin, and for that I am eternally grateful.

Every challenge we overcome together strengthens my love for you, but I always remember that our love is greater than any obstacle we may encounter. Although physically separated, our hearts are very close.

We are indivisible at the level of the mind, body, and spirit. This is where our heart is.

I was destined to find a man as honorable and kind as you, and that is why fate brought us together. And I hope our kid views you as a role model.

My inspiration comes from you. I'll be there to take care of you two as well. I've always been one to think that everything happens for a reason, and I believe that reason to be you. To be your pillar of support when you're vulnerable. I promise to always be there for you, my love. That I may cherish and adore you.

Without a shadow of a doubt, I have found my life's work. It wasn't a decision I made, but rather the course of my life, to fall in love with a man like you. You complete me in a way I never thought possible.

I long for you more with each passing second, yet I know that this separation is just temporary, as we shall spend all of eternity together.

You are the driving force in my life. You are the center of my universe, and words cannot describe how much I adore you.

I appreciate your unwavering support, your affection, and the opportunity to return the favor. You have my undivided affection.

You’re the perfect introduction to a love that will last forever. If this were a fairy tale, you'd be the prince, and I'd be the princess.

Even if I'm not perfect, I can love you in a way that no one else has or ever will. Simply put, I wouldn't be who I am without you. In all you do, love, know that you have my undying support and undying affection.

I read what I wrote.

Then it hit me.

Damn it.

I'm in love.