Meadow's POV
"Thank you so much for your cooperation, sir," the lady said.
"It's no problem. It's a pleasure working with you," the man, who seemed to be in his middle age, replied, extending his hand for a handshake, which she politely accepted.
"So, I'll be on my way, sir," she said, taking her bag from the chair and walking out of the office. She stepped outside the building and saw a car parked nearby. She opened the passenger seat and slipped in.
"How'd it go?" the cool voice asked. Meadow turned to him with a comfortable grin.
"I got him to sign it. I just got a new investor, Caleb!" she said happily, unexpectedly pulling him into a hug. Caleb was at first surprised, then hugged her back.
"I'm not surprised. You're amazing at what you do," he said, giving her a small pat before pulling away. He cupped her cute little face in his hands and gave her a gentle kiss on the lips.
"No one will be able to resist this face of yours, babe," he said, causing her cheeks to flush.
"Just drive, okay?" she said, playfully hitting him on the chest and relaxing into her seat. His brown eyes smiled down at her as his hands returned to the steering wheel.
"This calls for celebration. We have to call your dad."
At the mention of her father, Meadow's face darkened.
"I'm sure he'll be busy. Let's just have one between us," she said, clearly trying to steer the topic away from her dad.
"There you go again," he said, searching her face like he was looking for the answer to a question he never asked.
"I just... well, my dad and I haven't really been seeing eye to eye lately," she explained.
"Yeah, I get it. But it can't be like that forever, you know? This might be an opportunity," he tried to convince her.
"I don't wanna talk about my dad right now, Caleb."
"Okay, I'll stop," he said, putting his hands up. She gave him her sweet smile.
"Where're we going?" she asked curiously.
"A place you're gonna love," he replied, eyes still on the road.
---
Kieran's POV
I needed a drink badly.
In my turmoiled state of mind, I drove to the nearest bar I could find. Thoughts of Debby with Lucas wouldn't leave my mind. As I walked in, I saw a couple laughing happily as they slithered into the bar. They looked like they had no care in the world.
Debby's betrayal still felt like a dream—a painful dream I wished I could wake up from.
I downed my fifth shot and signaled to the bartender for a refill. I decided not to return to my suite tonight. I needed a distraction. The deafening noise and the toxicity of the alcohol helped me not to think straight.
An attractive lady approached me and tried to start a conversation, but I was already tipsy, so I couldn't make out anything she was saying. I kept asking for refills, completely ignoring her. That probably annoyed her, because she picked up her purse to leave.
But I stopped her.
I grabbed her wrist and looked at her with my drunken eyes. She saw what I wanted. She smiled seductively and sat on my lap. I didn't stop her. This was very unlike me—I was totally faithful to Debby in our relationship. But now? I wanted to do something to get rid of this feeling. I wanted to do something to hurt Debby.
Once we were in the room, the atmosphere heated up. She was surprised by how hasty I was, though she seemed to like it. The rest of what happened after that is still very hazy in my memory.
But when I woke up the next morning and saw the naked slut beside me, I felt shitty and disgusted. I swore never to involve myself with dirty beings like this—those who sold themselves for money.
I buried my face in my palms and ran my fingers through my hair. I quickly got up and took a quick shower. When I got out, I saw she was already up.
"You're up, bad boy?" she croaked.
A wave of regret passed through my body and tightened in my chest. There was no way this was going to happen twice. I had already put on my shirt and was buttoning it when I fished a bundle of cash out of my suit pocket and threw it at her. Without looking back, I walked toward the door.
But her voice stopped me.
"I'm Vivian, by the way. Would love to do this again."
I couldn't wait any longer—I stepped out.
As I started my car, my phone rang.
"Yes, sir," I said immediately, then zoomed off to my next destination. I wondered what Mr. Rowan wanted with me this morning.
I stopped at a boutique to change my clothes and fix up my hair before continuing on my journey.
When I stepped into the living room, I was surprised to also see my father there. I looked at him with curious eyes, but all I got was a smile.
I had a feeling I wasn't going to like what was about to happen.
It wasn't even three minutes after I sat down when I heard footsteps coming from the stairs. I looked up—and what I saw surprised me.
She still had her bed hair and her eyes were a bit puffy. She was in her PJs and her face was bare, with no makeup on. I wouldn't lie—she was damn pretty.
I knew her. She was Mr. Rowan's daughter.
Meadow Rowan.
And that's when I realized why I was here.
FUCK.