Chapter 4

"Don't make me repeat my words because I won't use my mouth the second time!!"

I swallowed my saliva. Hard.

"Good night, Mr. Sterling!" I said as I immediately lifted myself off the chair and bowed to him respectfully.

I did not wait for him to respond and instead carried out his instructions without making any further comments.

I walked quickly towards the entrance of the Mansion while grumbling to myself in an irritated tone.

I had forgotten he got really upset whenever someone disobeyed his orders. Why was all the guys in my life are such dictators?

My mind recognized a technical mistake while I was making a comparison between him and my father, so I shook my head to the left and right.

Uh, no way! At least Mr. Sterling was a dominant figure who was also compassionate. In addition to being attractive, he didn't resort to using his fists to make his point.

Sleep kept my eyes from tearing until dawn, and I couldn't stop thinking about how Aiden had caressed me. It was almost as though they were permanent markings. Like tattoos.

I made an effort not to misunderstand him and convinced myself that he was only trying to comfort me by patting my damaged cheek.

And my lips!

"Enough already, Velan! He's not just a married man but also the father of your girlfriend!!" I scolded myself.

I had breakfast with All Sterling, except for Aiden, who left for the company very early in the morning even on the weekends. I had my doubts that he took breaks like other people do. He was a working machine.

I was very impressed by the fact that he was able to get married and begin a family even though he had a very hectic schedule.

Although he no longer expresses his emotions in front of the two youngsters. However, this did not deter his interest in the children or his desire to see to it that they were content.

As for his wife, her only job was to maintain the picture of the perfect family that she presented to the people who fed off of their envy of her life, even though she knew that this image was a lie.

She does a decent job as a mother, but Macy often complains about how cold she is. Regardless, she does a better job than my mother.

I longed to be in their position!

Luke made the offer to drive me home, and I didn't have a problem with his picking me up for nothing. I could put some money aside for the travel expenses.

My outfit consisted of a white button-down top and blue trousers while the young man opted to wear a black shirt with an open collar.

We made our way to the garage where five cars were parked right after breakfast: a motorcycle, two black automobiles that belonged to the couple, a pink Lamborghini for Macy, and a red Lamborghini for her brother who went ahead and unlocked the door for me.

"You're welcome, Miss Ensley!"

My mouth was ornamented with a wry grin as I clasped my arms to my breast before approaching him in an imperious manner as though I came from a wealthy background.

"Oh, since when do masters and their servants take turns sitting in the front seats together? You want to be fired on the very first day!" I remarked drily.

My acting was amazing, especially the harsh tone that I used; I almost believed in myself, and even Luke gave me a standing ovation for my performance.

"Velan, you made a poor decision when you decided to pursue a legal education. You would have been perfect for the role of an actor. I will be the first person to purchase your ticket to the movie," Luke commented.

I tinkered with the strands of my hair that hung at my ear and fiddled with their ends. My preference has always been for shorter hair.

"In the life beyond this one, I will make sure that your wish comes true."

A sneer crossed Luke's lips. "This is assuming you are a human and not a crow by birth."

I was so annoyed that I struck him on the arm. It was his pastime that was driving me crazy. At other times, he wouldn't back down until the verbal sparring escalated into a full-blown conflict. I couldn't stand it when he said things like I used to be a crow in a past life and made comparisons between us.

What was my fault if my looks were a bit sharp? Someone else sculpted my eyelids, so it wasn't like I did it myself.

I was the first one to get into the vehicle and Luke joined me in it after only a few seconds.

He started the engine and then purposefully demonstrated how much push he had. I would have broken right through the window if it hadn't been for the seat belt.

"Riding with you has taught me how essential a seat belt is." I addressed him with a tone that was intended to subtly convey my dissatisfaction as soon as the speedometer had returned to a rate of travel that was considered appropriate.

His eyes were fixed on the road with a wry smile playing at his lips. He was pleased with his action and considered himself to have a free spirit, much like his sister, who did not tolerate being confined. When he attacked me, he did so in a triumphant tone, as if he had never been defeated in an argument before.

"Maybe you forgot, but let me refresh your memory, troublemaker. It was you who instructed me to drive as fast as possible the day I received my license and took you for a ride."

His excellent memory never lets him down. Damn it!

I couldn't help but grimace as I remembered the first time I had ridden with him in his car and how terrible the experience had been.

Although I am a fallible human who frequently makes mistakes, that day I realized the value of my life and publicly apologized for my mistakes.

Luke burst out into a loud chortle before I could change the subject, and I smiled back at him.

We had memories that would never be forgotten for the Sterling siblings were the most wonderful present that life has ever given to me.