Chapter 1
KELVIN'S POV
Today is Monday and I had to prepare for work. I start working as a CEO in my father's company today. He died three days ago from a deadly disease that runs in the family. I have always hated my dad. I didn't even answer his last name until recently. The first day I met him all I wanted to do was kill him. He had left my mother when he got her pregnant in college. From what I know it was a one night stand and when she told him about me, he told her he didn't want anything to do with us.
My mother was nineteen at the time, while my dad was three years older. He was engaged to his college sweetheart who happened to be an Italian billionaire's daughter.
My father paid my mom off with one million dollars which my mom accepted because of her condition.
She came from a poor background. Her parents were disappointed in her and washed their hands off her. She needed the money to survive and I don't blame her for taking it. Accepting the money, she signed a contract that she was never going to show her face in his life and there wouldn't be any leak about me in the media either. But it seems like when the old man was going to die he wanted to go to heaven because he came one day begging my mother to forgive him. And she did. That's when she got pregnant for the twins.
My mom had never told me anything about him then, and when I knew he was my father I hated him more.
He had left his company for me in his will and now I'm going there to resume duty today.
I got into the office and everywhere I passed people greeted me, they seemed to know who I was. I looked around the office and it was okay. The colour black and brown dominated the office. Since the outside was made of glass, I could see the busy New York streets. There was a black executive chair and two other brown chairs in front of the mahogany desk. There were shelves around and a small chandelier hanging from the ceiling. Aside from that, there was a separate place for a small meeting. There were three black leather love seats, a brown centre table and a single leather chair. The office was really big and the space was well used.
I sat on the executive chair going through some things on the laptop. I've been here for an hour and there's no sign of the personal assistant. So I made a mental notice to fire her as soon as she entered.
I was getting impatient already and went outside my office. I saw one of the employees passing by and decided to ask her about the personal assistant.
"And where the hell is the supposed personal assistant?" I asked angrily.
Does she think she can just come anytime she pleases? I'd have to have a word with all the staff later, I can't stand this tardiness.
"I'm here." a voice answered in a scared tone. But there was something familiar about it.
I was ready to fire this person, then I turned around and it was no one other than Shayan West another person I hate.
She looked different, different in a good way. "My office, now" I ordered harshly going to my office while she followed behind.
I sat on the chair waiting for her to come in. I was angry, angry that she was late. But most of all angry about meeting her.
"Where the hell have you been? You were supposed to be here an hour ago!" I shouted angrily.
"I'm sorry sir, I missed the first bus and there was traffic." She replied, a little bit nervous.
"Well, I don't care about your excuse. I don't stand tardiness and want you to be punctual. The next time you're late you'll get fired." I told her coldly.
She didn't say anything and just nodded. I didn't like that response. "Have I made myself clear?" I harshly demanded.
"Yes sir." She replied
"I want all the files on Mr Anderson on my table right away."
"Here you go sir" She got the file placing it on my table.
"You may get out of my office now." I dismissed her with a nonchalant wave.
She left the office and I just sighed. Seeing her again was unexpected. I never thought I'd see her again.
Though I typically preferred blondes, Shayan's short dark hair and hazel green eyes alongside her warm complexion were unexpectedly exotic and appealing. She was undeniably attractive now, different from the girl I used to know.
The only thing I remembered was the voice, tiny, soft, smooth and sweet, the type that could damage a person's brain. She has gotten rid of her glasses for contacts and wasn't fat anymore. She had a slim sexy figure enunciating her curves in the short skirt she was wearing with a white off the shoulder top. Her hair was in a professional-looking bun. She was beautiful and sexy but I'm not interested in her body or anything that had to do with her. Looks can be deceiving. She looked so innocent but there was nothing innocent about her. I've learned my lesson already, I wasn't prepared for her to teach me another.
Memories that I had a long time buried came up. She was the only girl I've ever loved and my experience with her made me decide not to love anyone again. She played the innocent girl so well I fell for it. She was just like every other girl I know, having the mind of a devil and yet acting like an angel. That was the worst type of girl to date.
I decided not to think about her. Our relationship will be strictly professional from now on.
I started going through Mr Anderson's file. He had a project for us at his new hotel. I've always had a knack for architecture, and I think it'd be easy running my father's company. Aside from my father's company I have a hotel which I'm running efficiently although I'm busy now. I like the way my life is right now and I know I've worked hard for the position I'm in now.
I called my assistant so we can look at the project together. Tomorrow we'd both go see the location.
"You called for me sir", she walked in after knocking looking anywhere but my face.
"Yes, I want you to prepare the employees for a meeting with me by three. You and I will be going somewhere tomorrow you'd need to be here early. I'd also like coffee, just plain on my table every morning. I hope I've made myself clear on that" I asked harshly.
"Yes sir" she replied.
"You may leave my office" I harshly dismissed. Her presence was the last thing I wanted.
She quickly left the office, closing the door behind her. With all the disdain I feel towards her, seeing her every day will be a real test for me. There is no way I'll be able to hide my disgust and irritation every time she's around. Looking at her is just a reminder of what she is, a cheat, liar, slut and a gold digger all in one person. I seriously don't get what I saw in her.
It was time for the meeting already. A brief meeting where I'd introduce myself.
While standing in front of them I could notice some ladies checking me out. There were also whispers and murmurs everywhere that pissed me off. Didn't they know to keep quiet in the presence of their boss?
"Everybody quiet", I commanded, earning an erring silence.
"You all must be wondering why I called this meeting but that doesn't call for all the noise. I want total respect and demand for nothing less. I won't take such behaviour again" I threatened coldly.
"I am Kelvin Adrios as some of you know, and I am now the CEO of Adrios corporation"
"Welcome Sir" numerous voices chorused.
"Adrios is known for its outstanding building and properties and I'd like for that to continue. Everyone is expected to put in their all for every project we handle, and I will tolerate nothing but hard work" I stated firmly.
There were a series of "okay" and "yes sir"
I couldn't take my eyes off her in the crowd, for some reason my gaze was fixed on her. She looked lost and wasn't responding to anything that was happening in the room.
"Miss West" all eyes were fixed on her now.
"Yes sir?"
"It seems your mind is far away from this meeting. Perhaps you feel what I'm saying does not demand your attention"
"Not at all sir", she answered slowly.
"Good. So what have I been saying all this time?" I questioned.
"Umm..... You started by silencing the room, then you introduced yourself and you let us know your expectations for the upcoming projects, emphasising that you want nothing but hard work"
I was impressed that she could reply, but at the same time angry. This was the perfect time to humiliate her, but she wriggled herself out of it.
"I want everyone's attention when I'm addressing you" I coldly demanded.
I continued the meeting going on and on about the things I wanted in the company and the things I wouldn't tolerate. By the time I was done I'm sure I instilled fear, respect and obedience in all of them. I made it clear I wouldn't hesitate to fire anyone I thought incapable no matter who the person happens to be.