CHAPTER 5 Challenge

I felt my cheeks redden! Staring me down, Ethan drank his coffee as if nothing had happened. I coughed to conceal my silent sob and hastily tidied up the mess. Then, I turned around and began washing the dishes. By now, hunger was taking over my body, so I closed my eyes for a moment.

"The food is ready sirs," the maids announced. While helping them serve the food, I noticed Noah watching me intently. As our eyes met, he grinned ever-so-slightly. Embarrassed, I averted my gaze and swallowed hard; it was my first kiss!

Eventually, Kennedy arrived at the mansion and called me later that evening. After knocking on the door of her office inside the house, I entered to find her poring over documents.

"Good afternoon, Kennedy!" I cheerfully greeted her. She smiled at me before noticing what I was wearing - a maid's uniform - and exclaimed that I looked beautiful nonetheless. Laughing in delight, I thanked her profusely for all of her help.

Kennedy invited me to sit on the couch in front of her and handed me a pile of paperwork she'd processed for school admissions.

"You need to take an exam first," she instructed me, "and you'll have to study the modules beforehand if you're going to answer them correctly." If successful on the test, she continued, I'd be able to enroll in college! Stunned by this possibility, I thanked her again.

"Is that true Kennedy?" I asked in astonishment.

"Oh yes!" Kennedy replied, pleased with herself. "I have connections and I use my name and influence of course-"

I didn't let her finish, instead embracing her with tears streaming down due to the mix of emotions; it wasn't easy to find someone like Kennedy in this harsh world!

Once our conversation was done and I finished cleaning the house, I decided to explore Kennedy's property. Excitement coursed through me as I set out in my uniform towards the ocean.

"Wow!" I exclaimed at the beauty of the blue waters before me. It was so clear that no words seemed adequate to describe its beauty.

Atop a hill sat her mansion, just beside the beach. Coconut trees lined the area while a sun lounger and swing swayed in the breeze. Descending a rock stair led right onto the shore and one could admire the unique rock formations there.

Curious, I crept closer when I heard laughter coming from a nearby cottage; clearly, those inside were having fun!

"Noah, I thought you'd be busy running your company," came an exclamation as I approached. "Thank God you took some time to join us!"

I heard the girl wearing a red bikini say something from her spot on Noah's lap; it seemed like they shared a drink and were having fun. "Just for today," I heard Noah's deep voice declare, "I will be busy again tomorrow, Stella. I have obligations." I bit my lip, taking in some of the soft sand that fell back to the ground.

There were four girls, Noah, and Liam present; Ethan must have been at work. "Damn! I forgot the wine glasses!" exclaimed the other girl, this one wearing a white bikini. I rolled my eyes as she called out for a maid to deliver us wine glasses.

She found me there before long, looking at them not far away—the wind blowing my hair around me. The maid agreed to fetch us the glasses and I began to walk back to the mansion when someone suddenly grabbed my hand. Paralyzed with shock, I soon realized that it was Noah once more.

"What are you doing here?" I quipped as he pinned me against a coconut tree. He smirked his reply: "What's your game, little lady hmm? Why is your mom so overprotective? Have you cast a spell -"

I cut him off before he could finish his sentence: "Don't say that! Kennedy is a good person—very unlike you!" With that, I remembered what happened between us last night; he then crouched down and kissed me on the lips. I almost melted.

I clenched my fists tightly as I heard Noah's words, "You can't play with us in your little hand, pretty lady. It's the other way around." A wave of dismay and resentment washed through me as I remembered that no matter how hard I tried, Kennedy's sons and I would never get along. Still, I steel myself and strive to keep my composure. Even if it's my first kiss! We are in the 21st century now, and being kissed by someone else is not a big deal anymore.

We lock lips and a feeling of mutual satisfaction surges through me. But then Noah's companions cut in and their orders were clear: Leave this cottage at once. I obey without hesitation and make my way back into the mansion, determined to take care of what needs to be done.

Kennedy calls out to me from the top of the grand staircase, her vintage dress swaying gracefully as she moves. "Oh, Dear Piper! There you are!" Her beauty is undeniable even though she has aged well over the years.

My jaw drops when she says I have to answer an instant quiz if I want to go to school today. I had forgotten all about it!

But there was no room for failure or hesitation. Taking a deep breath, I steeled myself for the challenge ahead.