the lonely girl

She is full of mysteries and secrets but was always seen as naïve and innocent girl. Or, simply…it is more precise to tell that she keeps that facade for her own good.

But why??

Only she knows the answer.

However, unlike other girls of her age, who dreamt of getting married to rich and famous guys, she preferred to find someone who has simple life and easy going family.

In short, she just wanted to lead a happy and ordinary life. However, she uses to believe that it would only be possible if her life partner was an common, uncomplicated guy.

But why??

Was the reason behind her beliefs had something to do with her past?

Or, was she vexed with her life to the extent of sticking by her self-made rules?

On the other hand, he was the CEO of one of the most prestigious companies across the world.

He was cold and aloof, someone who despised any sort of intimacy with women, be it physical or emotional. His world revolved around his work and his family business.

Though he has complicated family, he love them to his core….and, apart from them and his friends , no one matter to him.

But, for the first time in his life, he fell for a woman just with a glance. It all happened when she was turning down her Boss's love proposal.

Despite of her simple attire, he found her enchantingly beautiful. He could tell that she had so much more to herself than she let others see. He wanted to be the only person before whom she could be her true self.

The very moment he laid his eyes on her, he knew deep down in his heart that only she could be his soul mate. And, he was willing to go any lengths just to make her his. Even if it meant working as an employee in his own company.

Just like he wanted, she fell for him. But would happen when she ends up catching his lies?

Even if she agrees to accept him, what will be awaiting for her in the life she opted to live with him?

Moreover, who exactly is she? Why does she prefer to be low-key? And why is she being so secretive about her past?

What and all troubles she might have to face because of his complicated background?

What would welcome her when she stumbles back into the very life she wanted to run away from?

More importantly, will their love be strong enough to face all those odds that are waiting for them?

.........

No misunderstandings between couple.

Lovely and understanding couple with mature communication

Chapter 1

Beautiful yet lonely....

It is almost past midnight and the party is on a full swing. The DJ was deafening enough to dominate the smooth and melodious sound of the waves in the sea… while the squeals and cheers from the partiers emanated the delightful vibes all across the top floor of the cruise ship.

In simple words, the celebration is at its peak.

Almost everybody who came for the occasion is swimming in happiness and joy except for one girl…...

She is extremely beautiful and exquisite, yet, lonely and melancholic.

She is standing all alone just a little far from where the DJ party is going on…

She is deep in her thoughts, the thoughts that are totally unpleasant and painful to her.

It is as if she is taking a trip down the memory lane, a sad and heart wrenching lane. To be more precise, she is present here, however, her mind, world's apart, wandering in some endless pit of thoughts.

Though she came to celebrate the occasion with others, wearing black, deep V-neck sequin dress, she is no way near to the cheerful vibes of the party.

Meanwhile, her tall, beautiful and slender legs were left unprotected from the lusty stares of many men.

Her dress perfectly hugged her curves revealing her sexy figure and was reaching just down her mid-thigh.

Her black, jet like hair is freely waving along with the sea breeze and her hazel eyes are fixated on the horizon. Everything about her is so alluring and magnetic, just like a dainty goddess.

Her irresistible and comely demeanor, of course, attracted many unwanted flies whose eyes are already filled with lust and desire for her.

However, regardless of all those sharp gazes boring into her, Brina remained in the same position thinking of something else.

Bemused, her face clearly depicted her indifference in attending this soiree.

She usually doesn't tag along for all these parties and rich people stuff.

But this time it's different and was also inevitable for her to escape because this is her best friend's engagement party with the CEO of the company in which they both work.

Her best friend, Tanya Williams, will soon be marrying their boss with whom she fell in love with while working as his personal secretary.

Everyone called it as Tanya's luck but Brina has exactly opposite thoughts about it. She couldn't help but feel a bad premonition that it won't stay the same as before. She is scared of her innocent and sweet friend would face the complicated and dark side of this rich people's society.

"Brina, it's too cold here. Why are you standing all alone…Hmm? Didn't you notice how those drunkards were ogling at you?" A man in his middle twenties approached her.

As soon as he came closer, he took out his jacket gracefully and placed it on her shoulders, hiding her from lusty stares and at the same time, protecting her from the chilling coldness of winter night.

He is her boss and one of the directors of the company in which she works. To be precise, he is the second big boss of the company and main director of her department.

His name is Chris Hillary.

Despite his cold and aloof character, he is unusually friendly and nice to her. And, of course Brina isn't a fool to not understand what the reason behind is.

Chris has feelings for her and she knew him too well to judge who he exactly is.

He is a great, sincere, and genuine person who was never involved in any scandals.

His feelings for her are purely based on his intention to marry her and make her his lawfully wedded wife.

Chris Hillary and their CEO, Ben Cooper, are public figures and were also the most eligible bachelors of country M. Now, Ben is out of the picture so everyone's attention is now on Chris.

Everyone is totally excited to see whom he will marry.

After all, many heiresses are literally waiting in line for him, trying to get his attention.

However, he is in love with Brina and he is adamant to marry her... only her!

"Thanks, Chris. I just got distracted and you know me. I am not interested in all this late night partying and noisy stuff." She politely smiled as she replied.

As much as she admires him for his sincerity and kindness to her, she, unfortunately, never felt for him in that way.

"I just came out to get some free air." Brina added, trying to get his attention back while he continued to stare at her, deep in some thoughts just like her.

"Uhmm...sorry..I got distracted" Chris nervously laughed while he brushed his hair with his fingers, nervously.

After working for almost two years together, in the company, they became a little closer than just a boss and employee relationship but, of course, not as close as close friends who hang around and talk some random stuff.

He never crossed his limits and she never gave any false hopes or indications to step up their professional relationship into a personal relationship.

So, it is still difficult for him to act casual towards her. She looks close but at the same time, she looks so distant and guarded as well. She is unpredictable!

"Actually, I was feeling the same and came out for some fresh air. So, uhm...why don't we just walk around and find a good place to sit? My legs are aching a lot, Brina. Our boss is really a bully that he made me work out a lot." Chris said as he smiled, trying to shrug off the anxiety building in him.

Brina could smile and just not at him, aware of what's coming next. She isn't new to relationships to go blind eye. And, she is aware of what might happen if she takes a walk with him.

But, she also knows that she has to clear some air around them.

"Sure, why not? But, I might accompany you just for a small walk. I have to go back and sleep so that I can go back tomorrow to visit my family." Brina responded.

Meanwhile, Chris smiled and his crescent eyes twinkled with happiness. His hand involuntarily went into his pocket and his fingers skimmed on the blue velvet box which has a ring that signifies that he wanted to propose to her.

Yes, he knew that he was skipping the important phases of the ideal love journey. He has to ask her to be his girlfriend first and then take her for some dates before he could propose to her for marriage.

But, he is in a little bit of hurry right now.

After his cousin's wedding, his family will surely pressure him to attend the blind dates and they will eventually but surely force him into some alliance.

He doesn't want that!

Chapter 2

Proposal

After his cousin's wedding, his family will surely pressure him to attend the blind dates and they will eventually but surely force him into some alliance.

He doesn't want that!

…

"Let's go then." Chris beamed and looked back at his cousin, Ben Cooper, who was smiling at him.

Ben Cooper, his cousin and the CEO of their company, has always been wanting Chris to come into a relationship. However, Chris never harbored such feelings towards anyone except for Brina.

She is the only one who succeeded in opening up the love chapter of Chris' heart. Unfortunately, she never hinted at the similar feeling towards Chris, and, in contrast, she was always guarded around him.

"I wish Brina would agree. She feels lonely every time." Tanya said.

"She is tough to understand and it is really difficult to make her open up about her past. However, I am having a strong feeling that she wouldn't act the same with Chris" she reassured her fiance.

"Moreover, I will be moving in with you and that would make her even lonelier. Chris and Brina are a perfect pair to begin with." she giggled, sweet and gleeful.

Ben nodded his head and hummed a little in affirmation, warmly looking at his fiancee.

"And, as you requested, I asked the management to transfer Brina to the upper circle. From now on, she will be your personal secretary and in this way you will not miss her and she, perhaps might not feel lonely either." Ben told her, recalling the request his fiance made.

Tanya smiled delightfully and hugged his arm before placing a kiss on his cheek. "Thank you so much Ben."

Ben chuckled and flicked her head playfully. "You can thank me in another way you know, Mrs. Cooper." he teased.

"I do know it mister. But Brina have to agree to it right? If you succeed in convincing her, I might think about your request." Tanya smirked.

"Such a tease" Ben pouted.

…..

Meanwhile…

"We never see these countless stars in the city, right? I miss this beautiful sky." Chris casually said as he and Brina leaned over the railing, watching the sky.

They were now standing four floors below the top floor and no one was there to be seen. However, Brina on other hand is always guarded and alert. It is something, Chris never understood about her.

However, he could only shrug it off his kind, assuming that she is like this because of his presence. It actually makes him happy because it shows that she has some feelings for him…

Well, it's one of many ways he convinces himself…

"Yeah, the stars never appear much now a days. I miss my childhood whenever I see the starry night. Every summer, my parents used to take me to the countryside and we use to spend the whole week in the rented cabin. I just miss them so much whenever I see the sky." Brina said, for a change, letting herself reminisce the happy moments her past.

She actually intended not to let down her guard, but even before she could realize, those words slipped through her tongue. It could be the mild effort of drinking.

"I am sorry for your loss, Brina. I feel you" Chris said as he tried to console her.

"I don't think you can feel me. You have such cool parents who are famous and popular across the country. Just don't pity me." Brina smiled a little but the hurt in her eyes is obvious of how much she misses her parents.

"I am just trying to console you, Brina. I might not know how it feels but I am aware of how deep it cuts through the heart and how tough it is to get it healed." Chris said, inching a little close to her.

"But, it isn't something that cannot be healed. When you feel loved and cherished, those scars automatically fade away" Chris continued, giving a hint of what he is implying here.

In response, Brina just nodded her head and sighed. She, intuitively, moved a step away from him, maintaining the gap.

Chris, of course, noticed it and he knew it's now or never. He could only muster up his courage and took her hand into his, making her look at him in surprise.

"Brina, listen to me, please" he said, stopping her from retrieving her hand.

"Just, let me help you pass through this difficult time of your life, Brina. Let me love you and

cherish you so that you will never feel lonely or alone." he quickly added.

"Brina Parker, will you be my girlfriend?", all of a sudden as he kneeled down on one of his legs, holding a ring with his fingers.

….

Brina knew this would happen and she wanted it to happen. Not because she wanted to accept his proposal, but to decline him and release him from his false hopes on her.

He is a good person and she respects him a lot. He is also a good friend to her but she never saw him in that way.

To be more precise, she doesn't have such feelings for him even after figuring out that he had.

More importantly, he and she, they can't happen. According to her, they are worlds apart and she has a strong feeling that she can't adapt to his lifestyle. She should not, actually.

Moreover, she is a mere employee who works for her payday and he on the other hand, is one of the multi billionaires of the country.

Above all, Brina has an aversion towards wealthy individuals because of a strong reason.

And, all she wants is a simple life with no limelight and paparazzi following her. Unlike many, she detest getting attention and it is for a reason.

Meanwhile, Chris who has been watching her, noticed her expressions slowly morph from one to another.

Sadness, pain, guilt, hate, and anger… but not surprised.

She was anticipating this since earlier and someone as observant and adept like her can easily predict that it would happen on some special occasion like this day.

Chris pursed his lips realizing that she is actually not happy to accept his proposal.

However, he isn't angry and upset. Someone as special and beautiful like Brina would never fall in love easily. He knew that he had to wait patiently and adamantly for her.

Chapter 3

Charmastic and devilish!!

Someone as special and beautiful like Brina would never fall in love easily. He knew that he had to wait patiently and adamantly for her.

But, he has no time to do so. However, he has a perfect idea of how to approach her and speed up the process. After all, she doesn't have a boyfriend nor is she in a relationship with someone else to worry about.

Coming into a decision, Chris

smiled at her, whose face is etched with awkwardness.

"It's fine Brina. I understand that you need some time and that, it's a 'no' for the 'time being.' he emphasized the last two words.

"But it doesn't mean that I won't try to make you fall in love with me. I will try my level best and all you have to do is nothing but allow me to come into your life." he said, cheering up his spirits.

"I promise that I will not force you into anything and I will never bring this matter ever again till you, yourself, start to have feelings for me." he softly said, his voice brimming with optimism and confidence.

Brina couldn't do anything but look at him. She is not surprised but the sense of approach just took her off guard.

And, she didn't take his words seriously because is confident that she will never fall for him. She is more than aware that they are not practically compatible.

She already had a taste of falling in love with someone with whom the relationship hadn't been compatible and practical. And, she swore not to get into the same mess again.

However, for now, all she could do is nod her head.

"Thanks for understanding Chris. And, if you don't mind, I need some private space." she apologized, while she started taking off his jacket from her shoulders.

"You don't have to do that you know. I didn't give my jacket to you thinking that no one should see my woman. I just helped a friend to protect herself from the cold. Keep it with you." Chris playfully said.

After saying that, he turned around and left. He pursed his lips in disappointment and sighed thinking of the long and forceful way he has to take in order to make Brina his.

While all this is happening, Brina and Chris weren't the only people in the premises.

Another man in his middle twenties was there all along, watching the drama that has enfolded in front of him.

He is a handsome man to behold and suave beyond description. His tall, well-toned frame exuded nobility and his bewitching sculptured face made him look so enchanting and at the same time he has a devilish face like a king of the hell.

"Charming." he chuckled to himself as he leisurely sipped his classic wine. 'It's been years I saw an interesting character like her' he thought.

His eyes trailed over her not even missing any of her slightest movements.

She is elegant, gracious, and astonishingly beautiful. Not only her appearance but everything of her….

Even he couldn't understand why his curiosity was piqued by her.

It is not an exaggeration to state the fact that she is the first woman who made him look at her more than once.

Precisely, he couldn't take his eyes off her.

Furthermore, her unique and straightforward character made him look at her in a special way.

Meanwhile, Brina, who is not yet aware that she fell in the devil's compelling eyes, continued walking till she reached the bar located on the same floor.

Her eyes swept through the numerous bottles organized on the wooden rack. She randomly selected a bottle and walked to the open lounge before flumping onto one of the couches.

Opening the bottle, she took a sip and heaved a sigh. She couldn't help but feel bad for Chris. However, she is not forgetting her sense of responsibilities aside and selfishly falling in love with someone.

Prior to this, it is a sad truth that she doesn't have any feelings for Chris. Since the beginning she never saw him that way. And, above all, she doesn't want history to repeat itself and plunge her down all again.

"Mind if I join you miss?" A person's deep and husky voice brought her back from her reverie.

He is the same person who was following her movements like a hawk.

And, as soon as Brina turned around, his devilish aura and charisma captivated her. He is so damned sexy and enticing that she involuntarily nodded her head.

His face… It has some strange charm that captivated her. Dangerously, her mind started letting down its guards….

Meanwhile, he chuckled inside and quietly sat down, taking his own time, but at the same time he was also enjoying the dreamy and struck expression on her face.

But to his distraught, it didn't last long. Within a few seconds, Brina recovered her composure and averted her eyes from his alluring face.

Leaning comfortably onto the couch, she continued sipping from her bottle as she looked at the stars as if he, the charming star, isn't present at all.

Meanwhile, he was a little shocked because she is one of the very few who were not attracted to him in a crazy way.

He is even getting disregarded by her! But, surprisingly this didn't make him angry, but instead, amplified his interest for her.

"Miss, the drink you are drinking now, it is way more powerful and not suitable for women like you with low alcohol tolerance" he, himself, took the initiative.

If his friends were to know this, he will be teased for at least a year.

Brina who was busy thinking got startled at first but later she relaxed. His voice is giving her a strange sense of comfort, which she hasn't experienced for years.

She felt troubled but, ambiguously, it eased her heart and lightened it. She actually felt happy, and she herself is shocked by why!

"Is that so? I don't know about all these expensive brands and their specialties." she casually said, while placing the drink back onto the table.

Her alcohol tolerance isn't that good for her to take any risk right now. His words started having some effort on her, inadvertently.

"You can take my drink, miss. I was actually searching for the same bottle you were holding." He chuckled as he said.

"Unfortunately, that's the last bottle left on the cruise" he added, his voice electrifying and deep.

Brina couldn't help but gulp. And, miraculously her lips curved up, and, all again she didn't understand why! It's confusing her tremendously.

It's been literally years, she smiled genuinely and this person who is sitting across her seems to be the one who could make her feel like herself before.

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