Chap 1

*Talia's POV*

"Emma it's your turn" Giana said in excitement.

We were inside of our school's assembly hall playing an exciting game of spicy truth or dare and playing some music. The steam was growing as we were all getting spicy dares and ridiculously dangerous questions.

"Emma, Truth or Dare?" I asked in a serious yet playful voice.

"Dare" She blurted out as soon as I got the question out.

I thought about it for a moment tapping my chin as I racked my brain for the perfect dare, then a mischievous grin spread across my face. Why not push the limits? Emma could handle it. "Okay I've got it, I dare you to sext a random person for 10 minutes straight then ask for nudes" I said, already imagining the look on Emma's face.

"OMG Talia that is so crazy"

I started to laugh extremly hard as Emma did her dare. Just as Emma finished her dare, a tall figure walked in. I could hear the footsteps and see the shadows coming in but I didn't bother to look who it was.

"I guess it's your turn" she said smirking at me.

It was as if God was on her side as her smirk grew wider as she glanced at the newcomer, a mischievous glint in her eye.

"What hurry your scaring me, just tell me" I said in a slightly annoyed voice.

"I dare you to KISS HIM" she said pointing at the person who just walked in.

As I turned to look I couldn't beleive my eyes. His tall muscular figure was strong even from back.

"But I have a boyfriend" I said but got up anyways.

I went over to him and tapped on his shoulder so he could turn around, he seemed to be talking on the phone.As he turned to meet my eyes , my heart skipped a beat. Zantae, the hottest singer in City Y, was standing in our assembly hall. My celebrity crush, right in front of me. I felt a rush of excitement mixed with embarrassment as I realized I was about to kiss him. What was I getting myself into?" As he hung up the phone and looked down on me his facial features popped. He was even hotter in real life. His bright blue eyes were just enticing and went perfectly with his black slicked back hair and his shape jawline. I was about to turn right back around but decided not to.

I stood on my tiptoes and pressed my lips gently against his, the touch sending a flutter through my chest before quickly stepping back and was about to walk off when suddenly.......

*Zantae's POV*

As I walked in Yxz High school's assembly hall a figure caught my attention. There were three of them but only one stood out to me. She was sitting on a desk with her friends laughing, it looked as if they were playing a game. There was something captivating about her, even from behind. The way she laughed with her friends, the way her hair fell down her back... I felt drawn to her without even seeing her face. Who was this mysterious girl? Her friends looked around as I walked in but she did not budge. I smirked and walked to a corner of assembly hall and continued to stare at her, then her friend pointed at me, it looked as if they were talking about me but I couldn't quite hear what their conversation was about. I quickly took out my phone and turned to act like I was taking a call, still peaking over to were they were.

She got up and came over to were I was and tapped me on the shoulder. I turned around and "hung up the phone" when suddenly I felt a peck on my lips. As our lips touched, a spark of electricity ran through me. And when she pulled back, I finally saw her face. Those piercing grey eyes... I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. This was the girl I'd seen earlier. Fate was playing a strange game, wasn't it?"

.......

^2 weeks ago^

I was awakened by a knock on the studio door.

"What" I said in an irritated voice.

"Don't 'what' me" Kion replyed.

Kion is my assistant/ Manager/ Best friend and he is so damn annoying.

" Why are you here Kion" i said in an annoyed voice.

"I'm your assistant and Manager I'm everywhere you are when you're working, and I'm your best friend I'm everywhere you are when you're not working. Well you have to go to Yxz High to confirm with the principal about the concert."

"Damn I forgot about that, and why aren't you the one going again?" I asked.

"Because he want's to see you and confirm with you face to face."

I rolled my eyes and got up from a sofa in the studio and headed to the car. Kion then drove to the school as he parked in the parking lot that's when I saw her. Her long blonde hair was flowing with the wind it went perfectly with her her sharp almond grey eyes. It really pissed me off that she was kissing another man.

*Talia POV*

"Tanner stop" I said pushing his hand's away from my neck.

Tanner was my boyfriend. He was so annoying and clingy. I was pretty sure I did not like him in the way he want's me to but I didn't have a reason to to break up with him or I didn't know how to, so I didn't. The 21st of January would mark our 3 month anniversary and he was making such a big deal out of it. I often found myself questioning how I'd ended up in this relationship. Tanner wasn't a bad guy, but he wasn't the right guy for me either. We'd been together for three months, and every day felt like a chore. I felt trapped, like I was just going through the motions. What was holding me back from breaking free? That thought made my mind wander back to the day we first met.

^4 months ago^

"Ummmmm Talia" I voice said behind me.

I turned around to see who it was, but was unable to recognise the face.

"Yes" I answered, then questioned before he got the chance to answer

"By the way who are you and how do you know me?"

"Oh I, I'm Tanner, we have Chem together" He replied and was about to say something when I cut him off.

"Umm okay, so what do you want" I said a bit coldly.

" I like you and I was wondering if you...." he said when again I cut him him off mid way through his sentence.

"NO" I said as I turned and left.

^One Month Later^

"It's been a month please leave me alone" I said a bit irritated.

"Not until you give me a chance" he persisted.

"Fine"

^Now three months later^

Tanner's grip on my neck tightened as he pulled me in for a kiss.

Then he breaked the kiss and released my neck saying, "I got something special planned for us tomarrow."

"I'm going home Tanner" I said rolling my eyes.

"See you tomorrow" he shouted as I turned to leave with Emma and Giana, my best friends of two years.

"You need to breakup with him Ta" Emma said.

"I want to but I don't have any good reason to" I replied.

I sighed, I knew my friends were right. I didn't like Tanner the way he liked me. I felt trapped in the relationship, like I was just going through the motions.

"I want to, but I don't know how," Talia admitted, feeling a mix of frustration and guilt.

"He's not all bad, he's just...clingy."

Giana nodded understandingly.

"We've noticed, but you deserve better than someone who doesn't make you happy."

I nodded, knowing I needed to take action, but unsure where to start."Zantae's POV*

I turned to Kion, my curiosity piqued. "Find out who she is," I said, my voice low and urgent. There was something about this girl that drew me in, something beyond her looks. I needed to know more about her."

"This isn't some drama where you ask and you get" Kion replied to me saying.

I raised one of my Eyebrows and said "Isn't it"

"Okay sir I will get right on that for you" he said hasitly.

^30 minutes later^

Kion came walking in the the school's assembly hall were I was talking to the pricipal.

"Ok I will come in about two weeks to check it out" I said to the principal and walked out with Kion.

"Did you get what I asked for?" I asked Kion.

"It's right here" he said handing me an envelope.

"Hmmm" I mumbled taking the documents.

"We then got in the car and went home.

I ploped on my bed taking out the documents tgat Kion got me earlier. "Talia Dixon, birthday September 10, 16 years old....." I read. The age gap unsettled me, but I couldn't deny the connectionThe age gap unsettled me, but I couldn't deny the connection, I was 22 turning 23 on September 2nd. We were born in the same month, just thinking about that made my heart skip a beat. I went to bed a little more interested in a child than an adult should be but that really didn't matter.

*Talia's POV*

I woke uo the next morning not in the least bit interested in or excited about what Tanner had planned today. I wish I could come up with an excuse not to go but I know he would fact check every excuse I could come up with. Well unless..... I sighed, frustration building up inside me. So I decided to play sick. Playing sick was a coward's move, but I didn't know what else to do. I picked up my phone and dialed Tanner's number, hoping my voice would sound convincing."

I rang his phone and he picked up on the first ring.

"You must really be looking foward to taday" he answered the phone saying.It wasn't even a question, it was like he was telling me he knew I was excited. I rolled my eyes and started talking.

"About that I don't think I can make it" I said in a hurse voice.

"WHAT, WHY?" he shouted from the phone.

"I woke up this morning with a sore throat and a head ache, I think it's best I stay home today."

"Ohh I'm sorry you'll miss what I had prepared for you today, or I could push it back to a later day" he said.

"NO" I shouted "umm I mean why would you do that when our three month anniversery is today, you know I don't like celebrating on a later date" I lied.

"Okay I'll come visit you then" he replied.

"My mom is home, and she doesn't like visitors when I'm sick." I lied again this time hanging up the phone.

My Mom wasn't home she had work early in the Morning and had to leave. I went downstairs to lock the doors. Then, I headed back upstairs to closemy bedroom curtains, anticipating Tanner's arrival despite my earlier warning." And he did arrive 2 hours later.

"Hallo" I said answering the phone.

"Why are the doors to your house locked" He asked sternly.

"I told you not to come over" I shouted

"I was concerned that's why I came over." he said all defensive.

My anger flared up as I heard his voice on the phone.

"Why are you even here?" I snapped, trying to keep my tone even. "I told you not to come over. Just Leave" I said hanging up the phone. Tanner's defensive tone only fueled my frustration. Why couldn't he just listen to me for once?"

Chap. 2

*Talia`s POV*

^Two Days Later^

I went to school still quite upset with the stunt Tanner pulled on Saturday. As I entered the school, gate, i was hoping I wouldn't see him today, but as luck would have it he was the first face I saw. He was leaning on the school gate waiting for me, as he ran over to me as I walked through the gate.

"Are you feeling better ?" he asked putting his hand on my forehead.

"Much better" I told him pushing his hand off my forehead "And when did I say I had a fever, do you ever listen to me"

"I just assum...." I cut him off

"All you ever do is assume Tanner, just leave me alone" I shouted walking away from him.

"Are you still upset about Saturday, I said I was sorry" he shouted trying to bring attention to us but I just ignored him. He ran up to me and grabbed my wrist.

"What, what is it Tanner?" I snapped raising my voice. " I... I`m sorry" he said in a sad tone.

"Are you... are you really I could've gotten into trouble" I said trying to sound as convincing as possible. Honestly, i was only looking for any excuse to be angry with him, and his apology seemed like a perfect opportunity.

Tanner and I stood there, locked in a silent stare-down. I could see the frustration in his eyes. "What's going on, Lia ?" he shouted finally breaking the silence. "Why are you being like this ?" I took a deep breath and tried to explain. "It's just that you always do this, Tanner. You always assume things without asking me, without considering my feelings. It's s like you don't even care what I think or want." Tanner looked taken aback. "I'm sorry , Lia," he said slowly. "I didn't mean to hurt you. I'll try to do better in the future."

I yanked my hand out of his, "I've got to get to class" I said storming off without realizing we were headed in the same direction.

Chemistry, which I shared with Tanner, was my next class. "ughhh" I groaned as I entered the classroom. I was so frustrated. Tanner entered behind me and sat at the desk right beside me as if he wasn't an headache already.

"Babe I'm truly sorry" he sat down saying.

"Okay Tanner" I replied rolling my eyes without him seeing. My frustration with him was boiling over, and every little thing he did grated my nerves. Tanner continued to torment me the whole class and I tried my best to give him short answers or just nodded my head even though I really just wanted to ignore him the whole day.

After school my friends and I were about to head home when Tanner ran over to us, he sounded like he just ran a marathon to how he was panting.

"Wh..why are you guys heading home so early" he asked trying to catch his breath.

"We aren't, we are going to have a girl's night at the karaoke bar, and no you aren't invited" Emma lied. I silently giggled at Emma's response. We didn't plan to go out tonight but we all had nothing much to do.

"I wasn't going to ask to come" Tanner said, rolling his eyes. Tanner knew that Emma and Giana didn't really like him but he acts like he doesn't care.

"OH really, we all know that is a lie you are like a lost puppy if you ain't at Lia's butt" Gianna said then burst out laughing with Emma. I really wanted to laugh too but I couldn't. And that was not a lie, he really does behave like a lost puppy when I'm not around.

"Okay, see you tomorrow babe" Tanner said lifting my chin and kissing me.

"Okay, bye" I replied saying after he released me.

"You didn't have to be so rough on him guys" I said a little softly. Giana raised a eyebrow and answered "I saw a little laugh on your face though"

"Okay fine whatever" I confessed "It was a little funny"

"A little?" Emma questioned

"Okay it was quite funny" I started laughing.

We did end up going to the karaoke bar. It was bustling with people, the music was loud and upbeat , and everyone was having a great time. I grabbed the mic and started singing, feeling the music pulse through my veins. The crowd cheered and clapped along, and for a moment, I forgot about my troubles. I lost myself in the music, letting go of my worries and concerns. When I finished singing I felt exhilarated and alive. After about 3 hours of singing our lungs out, we headed home.

"MOM I'M HOME" I shouted as I pushed my front door open, but it looked like she wasn't home. I entered into the living room about to sit on the sofa in the corner of the living room when I saw a note on the coffee table.

': I'm sorry I didn't warn you but I have an emergency meeting in Europe and and I had to leave early this afternoon to be there on time. I also have to take care of the hotels there so I won't be back home in about 7 months. I left a black card on the table, any thing that yo might need you can purchase from the card, I'm really sorry about this sudden news, I love you, see you in a couple months;'

As I read the note, I felt a wave of emotions wash over me, fear, excitement, and a pang of loneliness. I wasn't that close to my mother as she was always working and never really spent that much time with me, but the thought of being alone for so long was daunting. I knew she had to go, but that didn't make it easier. I took a deep breath and tried to focus on the task at hand.

It wasn't the first time my mother left me alone at home, on contrary I was left alone quite often, but it was the first time she was going to leave for so long. The prospect filled me with a mix of excitement and trepidation. I mean she didn't leave me home home all alone, but while I had the housemaids, butler and chef, I still felt a pang of loneliness.

i was still very grateful, my mother worked really hard so that she could be able to take care of us after my father died was I was just a month old. She started a company and it grew to one of the most successful company in city Y. Her company grew so much that she quickly became one of the few billionaires in Asia.

I decided to take up the card and go to a coffee shop to get some coffee ands then the convenience store for something to eat. I went home after the trip to the convenience store and washed up and got ready then headed to bed. As I lay in bed that night, I couldn't help but think about about life. I thought about my mother, about Tanner and our ups and downs. I thought about school and my future, about what I wanted to achieve and how I wanted to live my life. I felt a sense of uncertainty, like I was standing at a crossroad and didn't know which path to take. But I also felt a sense of hope, a sense that anything was possible if I just believed in myself. I smiled to myself, feeling a sense of determination wash over me. I was going to make the most of my life, no matter what challenges came my way.

Chap. 3

*Zantae's POV*

I sat in my sleek, modern office, surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a stunning view of the city. I was looking through a few important documents, my eyes scanned the pages with growing frustration. Apparently someone is stealing the profits, the employees aren't keeping up with the regulations for the restaurants and the suppliers of raw materials needed aren't doing their jobs. It was starting to get on my nerves, how could they let that happen and didn't they think I would find out about this eventually? I was so pissed off. I was thinking of a way to manage these issues and manage the rest of the restaurants in Europe without going there myself.

I was not only in the entertainment industry, I also took over my dad's company "STOMP" which had quite a number of restaurant chains over the world along with a clothing store and the entertainment industry which I was apart of. I took over as the chairman of STOMP after my parents died. I was one of the few billionaires in Asia. No one knows that I own this company except Kion.

Managing my restaurant in Europe was going to be a challenge, and it is hard to find someone I trust to manage them in Europe Full time. Kion was my go-to guy. I really didn't want to send him to Europe by himself, it's not that I don't trust him but I need him here with me and he needs me, but what other options do I have. I'll have to send him until I find someone to replace him and I needed to find them as quickly as possible.

I've know Kion since we were kids. He was orphaned at a very young age and my parents decided to take him in on the condition that he helped out, which he did, so we grew up together. After my parents died we only had each other. We never parted ways for more than a day after my Parents died. He was the only family I had left and I was the only family he had left, and I guess that made us dependent on each other.

In the middle of my thoughts Kion pushed open the door and came over and sat in the chair across from my desk which I was sitting around. his lack of manners was starting to get on my nerves. He always just walks into my office without knocking, like he owned the place. "Kion can't you knock ?" I asked in an annoyed voice.

"What for" he replied.

"You are going to Europe to manage the restaurants I have over there for about a month, you will leave today so go pack your things, I will give you document containing the information when I come to pick up later." I said ignoring his previous comment.

"What about you, I can't leave you alone for that long"

"Do I look like a kid to you, leave and go pack your things now Kion" I shouted.

"Okay, fine" He said walking out.

Later that day, I made my way to our apartment, my mind preoccupied with work. I was glad to have someone I could trust to manage my restaurants in Europe. I valued his opinion, his insight. When I arrived, I pushed the door open and walked in. Kion lounged on the plush sofa in our apartment, his eyes fixed on the screen of his phone as he scrolled through his social media.

"Yo go pack more stuff, you're going to be gone longer than I expected, you'll be gone for about 6 moths to a year." I said as I sat beside him.

I watched his face as I told him that he might be in Europe for a year. He looked concerned, and I couldn't blame him. Europe was a long way from home, and I'd be leaving him on his own, not only that I was going to leave him to manage the situation in Europe by himself. But I knew he was more than capable of handling it himself, and I trusted him to get the job done.

"Can we at least stop and get coffee before I leave" Kion sighed saying.

"Hmmm" I muttered "Just hurry and go pack"

After about three hours, Kion zipped up his luggage, and we headed out to grab a coffee before our trip to the airport. As we walked into the cozy coffee shop, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, enticing us with its rich flavors. We ordered our drinks and sat down at a small table by the window, where we waited for our order.

After we got our coffee, we headed back to my car and began our journey to the airport. The traffic was light, and we made good time.

I dropped Kion off at the airport, and helped him with his luggage then I got back into my car and drove to the company, As I had quite a number of things to do before the day ended.

I spent the next few hours reviewing, signing, and creating documents and contracts. The work was tedious, but I was focused on getting everything done as quickly as possible. I worked diligently, my mind sharp and focused.

Finally, after three hours of intense focus, I was finished. By that time, it was already midnight, and the office was dark and silent.

I got into my car and drove home, feeling a bit exhausted . The city was quiet, the streets empty and dark.

As I arrived home, I got ready for bed, I had five company meetings tomorrow, and I'd also be checking in on Kion's progress in Italy. I wanted to know what was going on over there asap and which employee had the balls to steal from me, that is something I really not play with, they will be living in a living hell after I find the person responsible for this.

I climbed into bed, feeling the softness of the mattress envelop me. I closed my eyes, letting the darkness wash over me, and drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, I woke up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day. I got dressed, and headed to the office.

As I arrived at the office, I was greeted by my assistant, who handed me a cup of coffee and a stack of files. "Good morning, sir," she said, with a flirty smile.. "You're scheduled to meet with the marketing team in 30 minutes, would you like me to accompany you?."

"Would like to accompany me in fire too Amber? leave" I said in a cold tone, taking the coffee, "Thanks," I said, lifting up the coffee.