♡︎~Chapter 1~♡︎ CORA

"Congratulations, Mr Shay!" Blondie Tori said as she squeezed Kendall into a tight hug. He was jovial and charming, but he wasn't a hugger, especially to his colleagues.

"Tori, kindly get off me please." He said, his voice bold and firm with authority.

Instantly, Tori let go. "I'm so sorry. You just needed a warm complimentary hug for your success." She announced out loud, her voice hinted with a little hurt.

More congratulatory messages found their way to Kendall as they praised him for his success. Not like it was the first time. The almighty Kendall Shay was a well respected man in her life. Besides him being her boss, he was also a dazzling friend. Working with him could be tiring—because he only appreciated the best—but he was a darling.

For weeks now, both he and Cora had been working hard in getting the contract of over 15 million dollars, and after so much hard work and dedication, success finally became theirs.

His office was filled with a flood of staffs—some genuinely happy for their success, a few wholeheartedly jealous of their achievements, and the rest trying to make a grand entrance in seducing the CEO of the famous Varvara beers. Minutes later, Kendall's entrusted guards slowly disposed of the mob of guests out, leaving just he and her.

The room was finally vacant, making fresh air flow freely again from the AC. Cora strode over to take the seat that faced Kendall, their eyes locking. He was definitely in a happy mood as he used to be each time he preached to her the importance of hard work. His well groomed hair had been slightly scattered. He held a smile on his face, unraveling the jovial side of him. "I don't like to say I told you so, but..." he held his words to himself, squinting his eyes.

"You always say 'I told you so'. Cora pointed out to him just incase he'd suddenly forgotten. She let her hands tucked the loose hair on her face behind her ears. The dress she had on gripped her stomach tight, making tucking in of her tummy a bit difficult to do. Never have a burger and a chilled soda when you're on a straight fitted gown-especially if you've got a slightly bigger tummy like me.

She'd instantly regretted her outfit choice, but it was already too late the moment she hit the road.

"Okay, perhaps I do say so. But this time, you know I'm right." He said with a tone that conveyed the pride he was feeling. Truly, she did mentioned they gave up on the task. There were better contracts ahead and fulfilling the wishes of Selena Gozem shouldn't be their top priority, but Kendall reminded her that no work was too much or too little. Now, she and her husband had successfully joined the board of directors of the firm, and will wholeheartedly bring more heavy contracts to them.

"Perhaps." She confirmed, but only slightly. "So, what are your plans for tonight?" She asked, knowing it was a Friday night, and he always partied at The Heist club. Especially now he'd been successful on his task.

He frowned, arching his thick brows. His stubble beards had begin to grow more full, looking almost unkempt, and his blue eyes dimmed more dark from lack of sound sleep. She couldn't blame him. He had been extra busy the past few weeks from jobs here and there, leaving him with little time to take care of himself. "I dunno, I'm pretty free this weekend. Maybe we could grab a celebration drink at Alfred's tonight."

"Oh that would be nice. Just not you and I." She said, and her announcement made him shoot a furrowed brow at her. "Well," She began to say as he queried a 'why?', "I'm actually busy tonight. I have plans."

Something made him chuckle the instant she spoke.

"What? What is so funny?" Cora frowned.

He took several seconds to observe her face whilst dimples crinkled on his cheeks. "No, it's just, what are you busy doing?" He asked casually, not hiding the disbelief that formed in his eyes.

"Wait a minute, you actually think I'm lying?" She made her posture appear more straightened.

Kendall laughed out in a I-know-you're-lying-but-continue manner. Something about his tone just sounded off. "I am busy tonight, and I mean that." She explained, and the smirk on his face disappeared.

"What are you doing then?" When he asked, she took a moment to comprehend. Never had he questioned her about her personal life before.

"It's business outside of work." She reminded him in a hushed tone. A blank expression fell on his face as he stared at her like she'd been drunk. "What are you thinking, Kendall?" She frowned, waiting for his response, but he only smiled in reply. She had a life outside Varvata Beers!

"And you'll be busy next Friday as well?" She heard him asked as she got up to announce her departure since it was few minutes to closing hours.

"I can't be so sure until then," she pronounced slowly, making out the obvious. Next week was next week's business, not today's. He nodded once, his lips tightening like there were no more questions to ask. "I'll be leaving now. See you tomo-"

"Are you in anyway married?"

✩★✩

Married?! Cora was a twenty four years old perfectly young woman. How could she be married?

Kendall's question rang continuously in her head as she sat still in the traffic of New Jersey. The taxi driver was getting a five-star rating from her because he knew so well to mind his business. Very gentle and introverted he was.

"Ma'am, would you like me to play any song?" he asked, his voice calm and mild.

She sat back resting on the soft seat, "uh, any recommendations?"

"Westlife." He said at an instant. If there was any rating greater than a five-star, this man was getting it.

✩★✩