Ties & Rise

"Blair Grace, you've been spotted together with multi-billionaire businessman Elijah King in an intimate way. Does that mean you are dating each other?"

"There are rumors saying that you've been in a secret relationship for a very long time. Is it true?"

"You usually appear in many famous reality shows. Have you ever thought about revealing it in any of them?"

"You're wearing a magnificent blue diamond ring that is said to be a very rare item. Is it perhaps an engagement ring?"

"Please give answer us!"

Hundreds of questions were thrown at her from every direction. A huge crowd of paparazzi surrounded her and if it wasn't for her bodyguards, she would've gotten crushed a long time ago. Their camera flashes were blinding yet it didn't bother her at all since she was very much used to it; it was, after all, her daily routine that gave her the satisfaction of being alive! Her gaze scanned them as her lips curved into a 'sweet' smile.

"I've never been the kind of celebrity that keeps her private life away from her fan's eyes. I was always open about it because I wanted others to know me not only as the characters I play in my movies but also as the normal twenty-seven year Old Blair Grace. I felt like having many people following my every step of this journey in reality shows was a... new experience! I enjoyed it very much but.. at the same time, I am only a human and humans tend to seek privacy especially in sensitive matters and so, some things remain hidden until we think it's the right time to reveal them!"

"So, you are confirming the rumors?"

"Yes, I am."

Three words were enough to create chaos between the crowd; It seemed as if they were struck with thunder! Their questions doubled as everybody was racing to get this scoop. Blair was more than satisfied with the scenery in front of her. She has successfully stirred the media's attention and now... It was the appropriate time to retire and leave them to their wild imagination. To their utter disappointment, she excused herself and made her way to the parked black Rolls-Royce Phantom. As soon as the driver got back to his seat, after opening the door for her, he started the engine leaving behind them the ever so excited paparazzi!

"I almost believed you out there!" She turned her head and was pleasantly met with the blazing blue eyes of the beast sitting next to her.

"You should've! That's the main point of all of this, my dear fiancé." The words came out of her mouth smooth and gentle yet they spoke volumes about her unwavering confidence... the thing he liked most about her! His hand reached for her face and ever so gently, he rubbed her lower lip with his thumb. Her rosy plump lips parted slightly making her look irresistible and as much as he wanted to take her right there, in that very spot, he couldn't. He had to wait, for as it wasn't the best time to do so. He composed himself and straightened his posture then said: "Indeed, your acting was remarkable.. as always! That reminds me, from now on you should lessen your public appearances to the maximum until we-"

"What? Excuse me, Mr King, I think you have forgotten a very important detail. Everything I'm doing right now is for the sake of my career! I can't take the risk of a sudden disappearance from public eyes! That would be meaningless! That... That wasn't even written in the contract!" a roaring lioness appeared as soon as that thought was mentioned. She couldn't even bear to think of such a crazy possibility.

"Blair, I never said that you'd stop being a public figure! All I want from you is to make less appearances in those reality shows and some other trivial places... that of course if you treasure your life more than your job! And this will only be temporarily.. I repeat 'temporarily'!"

"Elijah I-" This time it was the ringing of his phone that interrupted their discussion. She hoped that he would discard the caller but he didn't. On the fifth ring, he picked up and started talking in English but then he suddenly switched to a foreign language that seemed to be.. Russian? It was obvious that he didn't want her to hear or more like.. understand what he was saying and that only made her blood boil. He didn't trust her enough! No matter what she has done in the past two years, she couldn't gain his fully trust! He was always careful around her, even when she started getting involved in their 'work'. Her eyes darkened as she felt a familiar sense of anger coursing through her body. He wanted to control her life but he kept her away from his! Was she a mere toy in his opinion? She took a deep breath and clenshed her fists. Just then... the sparkling of her diamond ring caught her attention making her regain consciousness. 'Do you think he would be willing to give anybody the title of 'Mrs. King'? A man such as himself would hardly have faith in his family members let alone strangers. Don't forget that you are still related to one of his enemies! This is the treatment you should be expecting from his side! Keep on plastering that smiling face and never take it off! We haven't come all the way here to be ruined by stupid emotions, Blair!' A soft whisper played in her mind like a melody that served in reminding her of the bitter truth and in a matter of seconds her play mode was on.

"I'm going on a business trip to Russia next week. When I come back I'll personally make a public announcement of this marriage. Until then think about what I told you!" Before she realised it he was already done with his phone call and back to making decisions on his own.

"You think the press will remain quiet this whole time? I doubt it!" As she turned her head, her splendid house came to view. 'We arrived very fast' she thought. Right when the car came to a halt, the driver stepped out from his zone to open the door for his boss's fiancé.

Just when she was about to get out, two strong arms encircled her waist and before she knew it, her back was already against his hard chest as his mouth was making wonders on the soft skin of her neck. "So? I take this as you're gonna miss me?"

"Who knows? Maybe." The corner of his lips lifted up a little bit in a barely seen smile. After a while he let her go and went ahead on his path but not before making sure she went in safely... Of course with flushed cheeks and a racing heart!

...

The days went by peacefully... Well, they were peaceful in comparison to other flaming ones! Each day was born with a sunrise and ended in a sunset. She has been a witness to these precious golden phenomenons every time they appeared, either from her balcony or from her morning run yet today... she had to, unfortunately, miss one of them!

Her watch was usually a dear friend to her heart but now it became her worst enemy for as it was refusing to move the time quicker! The past hour she spent here felt like eternity, the sharp eyes that were staring at her felt like bullets penetrating her body and the fancy food she was eating felt like a pile of mud! To put it simply, she has won a trip to hell! If it was any other time, she could've easily dodged such a 'lovely' invitation or she could've at the very least shown her piercing thorns to these generous hosts but today... such thoughts should be forgotten. No, they must get buried ten feet underground never seeing the light! Today, Blair Grace shall become an innocent rose, a pure soul and a kind heart for only one single goal... To please the bald sixty four year old man sitting at the head of the table!

"Look how heavenly beautiful it is to have the whole family reunited together for dinner after a long time! If only elder brother was still here with us..."

"May he rest in peace! My father was such a cheerful person who cherished his family very much! If he was alive among us, he would've surely wanted us to stay strong together as a loving family!" declared the elegant woman known as Elizabeth Grace, Blair's paternal aunt.

"That's right mother! We should've arranged this reunion a little bit sooner. We don't get much time to spend together like the old times. Even if we get the chance to sit together on one table, Blair is always absent. I just miss her so much. Just the thought of being away from my beloved ones terrifies me!" Her daughter Angela was quick to stand on her mother's side as they both shared victorious looks.

"Oh, Angie my soft-hearted baby! Don't worry, nothing like that will happen! Wipe you tears sweetie, we don't want to ruin this beautiful face now, do we?" She knew it, one can never stay at peace at this place and.. this was just the beginning!

"I didn't want to bring this subject up for fear of ruining these precious moments but since our dear Angela started talking I shall continue. Blair hasn't only been neglecting our family meetings but also she went ahead and got engaged to a total stranger! This is unacceptable! Listen darling, you are part of a diniful family, you can't take rush decisions on your own! Consult with your uncle first at least! You're acting as if you don't have faith in us!" One by one they have started showing their weapons while she remained silent. This time, it was Margaret's turn, her uncle's wife. Mr. Christopher soon joined her saying:

"At least learn from your cousin Laura. We have taught you together the same way but you both turned out to be completely different. While she is a refined lady you are an untamed woman!"

Their words started to sink deeper and deeper into the old man's mind. They have successfully achieved their goal in disturbing his thoughts and giving him a different point of view. While they were all racing to come up with new ideas for their wicked schemes, the main girl of the night sat there amused with the show in front of her. 'Just when did this simple dinner turn into a play of accusations? And the poor shining head is sitting there unaware of their thoughts... But... they're taking it way too far. It's time to put an end to this farce! Let them know who's the real boss here!"

Her mind was only focused on them and their silly tricks so she wasn't able to notice the two bright eyes that were making holes into her head from their burning gaze!