The kiss.

Marian POV

Seven months later and my mother still thinks I'm doing a good job.

"Most investors are looking for companies with advanced researchers, it's no news with the non-stop food spoilage. Go foods is trying to recruit more researchers all over the world to deal with these issues".

I listen to Mr Clark complaints as I sip my drink. I feel tipsy already but I can't help it, the drink seems to help with the boredom. Mr Clark is a chief of a researcher's team, his team is highly favored as they always surprise the company with their innovative ideas.

After working in the company for so long, I have learnt a lot about the place.

The company my mother owns is called Go Foods with so many branches in other countries. They process perishable foods to increase their shell life.

Nothing interests me at work anymore, not even the lovely decor of the reception. I have to take classes every day and other courses have been added as well.

The only time I am looking forward to working is when it's time for the weekly assessment of the researchers' new ideas. They make tasty, mouthwatering foods and we get to taste them to make judgments.

The reporters no longer disrupted our arrivals, as they got nothing out of our mouth, but a few were seen hanging around, taking pictures discreetly.

All I wanted to do was to relieve my aching feet from the 5 inch heel I wore but Mr Clark seemed to have a different idea as he kept on talking about work. Boring work.

"Ah, Mr Clark, here you are. I have been searching everywhere for the genius of our generation", a man clad in a pink suit approached us and took Mr Clark's eye off me.

This was my clue to leave, I took quick quiet steps away as Mr Clark was too engrossed in their discussion to notice my absence.

I moved towards a window, a bit secluded from all the frivolities. The little view of the garden was so appealing and without a second thought, I went outside to get some fresh air.

The air was cold, instantly making me regret my decision. I should have stayed in, away from the cold, away from prying eyes. As our eyes met, a reporter who had sneakily left the party in a bid to stalk me scampered away.

I huffed in frustration. I would never get used to this kind of life. My mother said with time, the whole paparazzi would let me be. It's been SEVEN hellish months and they won't just forget it.

I miss my life as a waitress. Sighing, I looked up to the sky, the stars shined bright and I appreciated their beauty when I felt a coat cover my exposed shoulders. I turned to see Peter staring lovingly at me.

"You should not be out here, it's cold", he stated the obvious.

"I got sick in there and needed some air"

Peter laughed at my words, "Same. We all get sick of all these parties. But we need to attend to meet more potential partners. To grow. Please get used to it"

I rolled my eyes as his lecture,

"I can't wait for the party to come to an end"

Peter wiped his palms on his perfect suit, "It will. It will. There's somewhere I would like to show you"

"Do you know your way around here?", My voice heavy with uncertainty.

"I have spent so many holidays here, I am family with the host"

Peter led me to a beautiful maze, with a moat in sight.

"Its beautiful, very peaceful"

My eyes were everywhere, taking in the beautiful surrounding my eyes landed on till I met Peter gaze.

He had a boyish smile on his face, "You are beautiful"

Heat crept up my cheeks. I felt hot all over, I never took time to give his eyes a second look but they seemed very vibrant. His orbs had the color of the sea, symbolizing strength, strong will.

He seemed closer to me as he kept his eyes on my lips, he looked at my lips like his world centered around it.

I knew it before I felt it- his lips. Peter touched my lips with his and stilled. Waiting for my reaction or perhaps permission to continue.

I stood still like a statue, I did not know what to do or say, Peter, the guy who saved me from dying, the one I thought of as a friend just kissed me.

And he stole my first kiss. I had dated a few guys but they were all on social media, I have never met any of them.

Peter took my silence as my approval and kissed me more.

He deepened the kiss, as he slid his palm around my temple and held me firmly behind the wall.

I gasped in the process, giving him a chance to slide his tongue into my mouth. He wrapped his other hand around my waist and I knew I was done for.

I did not take him to be such a good kisser. Or maybe it's because it's my first kiss.

I do not have romantic feelings for him and I would be lying to myself if I said I don't find him attractive in any way.

I was curious, I have never been kissed, talkmore of a billionaire being my first.

Realization seeped into my brain as I pulled away and ran as fast as my leg could carry me.

A man like Peter would never have any romantic feelings for a pauper like me.

Peter and I do not belong to the same world. He would only date models or women that do not know what hardship tastes like, not a woman with no career or reputation.

He would only go after women whose toothbrushes cost a million dollars.

As I ran, I heard his constant pleas for me to stop but I couldn't just turn to face him. I had shamelessly responded to his kiss. What exactly was I thinking?

As I ran, I did not think to stop for a second to find the exit and was beyond grateful to see the exit in sight.

My phone vibrated in my purse, I stopped to check the caller ID. My mother.

"Marian, where are you?" she asked worriedly.

"Sorry for leaving, I will be with you shortly"

I did not wait for her response before hanging up and rushing to the hall, I regretted my decision to come out.

…

Peter POV

I am gradually laying my cards down, I intentionally brought Marian to the maze and orchestrated the kiss.

It felt so good to kiss her that I forgot that it was just a ploy for a second.

I had already set a reporter to take pictures of us kissing. Tomorrow papers are definitely going to be the first in a very long time that I will be reading the entertainment section.

I must make sure I send flowers to Marian tomorrow with my intention plainly set on the table. Perhaps it will be better to talk to her in person.

My personal assistant met me halfway, "Sir, I just got a call from Mr Daniel, he has asked for a visit"

I wonder what the old man has to say this time. I do not have a good relationship with my father so my PA and I call him 'Mr Daniel'.

My father thinks I'm not good enough. He does not find me worthy enough to take the reins after he retires.

So I work hard every single day to make a name for myself. A good reason why I must have Marian's hand in marriage and show my father how suitable I am to be heir.

I walk up to my father's study. He seemed to be interested in constellations tonight. He was looking at the stars like one would look at one's fortune.

"You called for me", I tried to gain his attention.

"Just what are you trying to do?", with his back still to me, he asked.

"I do not understand you, please make yourself clear".

"You were perching today. On Mrs Miller's daughter"

"It's not alarming that you already know".

"I have eyes everywhere", facing me and picking up his drink, he added, "And be careful, let the Elders do the matchmaking"

You lie Mr Daniel. You lie. Marian was mine from the start.