Annabel's POV

 I got to the Stroke development company and found out that I was not the only one that had been waiting for this opportunity.

 It just occurred to me how hungry youths are to show their talents.

 Moving closer to the person I assumed was a worker attending to everyone, I saw a lot of capable people, men who I was sure are very good at things like this.

 For a moment I got discouraged. "Are you sure I can do this?" I questioned myself through my breath. Loads of thoughts ran through my head, but I still went forward anyway.

The least that could happen is them rejecting my work. Besides, the opportunity states that only one winner would be selected.

I was given my card number as we all waited for when we would start.

Just then, a lady in a black leather skirt and well ironed white shirt came in, informing us to move to an auditorium where the competition would be held.

We all got in and sat down.

 My eyes schemed the large hall, realizing how huge it was and how well arranged everything was.

We all sat down according to our number card. A few moments later, the entrance of the CEO was announced and the whole room went quiet.

Just then, the one person who I feel like he has been following me around came in.

Daniel.

Because how is it possible that since the last few days that I came back, not a single day has not passed without me bumping or encountering him?

He was wearing a black suit that no doubt looked expensive. Then a white shirt inside the jacket, complemented with a well knotted tie.

He walked majestically until he got to the seat specially made for him.

 And to think of it I never did any research about the company let alone who the CEO was.

 I had randomly sent my application to many companies and when I got the email, I was only invested in delivering a perfect speech.

But never on earth did I think that Daniel would be the CEO of the most successful company in New York.

He's one of the Stroke family.

O.M.G

Daniel stroke? I could remember Stephanie mentioning him those days in school but I never thought this is how I will meet her billionaire lover.

The presentation began. Everyone was doing perfect. It was a room filled with intellectual men. Every single idea from each person made me think that my effort was not enough.

The most interesting presentation was that of Lucian.

He had introduced himself before presenting and he told us about his lucky casino App where people will be allowed to stake money, play several games and if lucky enough, would win real cash higher than what they staked.

Just then my number was called by the woman who earlier introduced us to this auditorium. "Number 120". I was lost in thought that I never knew that was my number.

She called repeatedly, and when she was about to call the next number, I looked at my card and that was when it hit me.

 "I'm here". I stood up drawing all the attention in the room.

My knees were still shaking as I took one step at a time till I reached the stage. My eyes darted around the room looking at the huge number of people waiting to hear me out and then to Daniel whose expression clearly showed that he was not expecting to see me but returned to an emotionless face when our eyes met.

I drifted my eyes from him, cleared my throat and then began. "Good morning all".

The audience responded, while I gave back a light smile gathering up my confidence.

"I'm Annabel...Annabel Green". My voice cracked a bit. "I will be taking you all through my project which I named the evergreen dating app".

I steadied myself. My eyes swept the room and just then my confidence skyrocketed, making me speak louder without fidgeting. "Our schedules are now tighter, the world is becoming busier.

Most people don't have the time to stop each other on the way just to know them, in order to build a strong relationship".

My eyes wandered around the room once more. "But with the evergreen dating app, adults will get hooked up, have conversations and probably from there, conclude to meet each other.

 With just an app you can meet the love of your life, with just an app you can easily get someone to have your daily fling with. All the both parties need to do is download the app, subscribe and search till they get hooked to the one they fantasized about".

I scrolled through my laptop which was displayed on the projector screen. Showing how I have designed the app and explained how we would be able to protect our subscribers information and their conversations.

"Finally, with a better promotional team we will be able to make this app bigger and more productive. Thank you". I ended with a slight bow.

After my speech the room was still silent, everybody still looked at me like they were waiting for me to continue, as if they had just realized that I was done, a thunderous clap filled the air.

Then I looked at Daniel who was seated with his lips curled to a smile and his face written how proud he was. That alone gave me the answer I needed.

My presentation was not that bad as I had assumed.

The speeches went on, until the last person. before we were dismissed.

They had announced that they will email the winner. So no need to wait.

I went out to get a cab but a voice stopped me.

It was Daniel.

He came forward, wearing a casual smile. Not knowing what to say, I muttered, "Uhm... Mr stroke, thank you for giving us the opportunity to present our project".

He clicked his teeth. "Nah, that's what this firm is for. You don't need to thank me. By the way your speech was fabulous".

He leaned closer to my ear. "And... you look sexy in this red gown". He whispered, grinning wildly.

My mouth opened to say something but I did not find any word.

"Meanwhile, I will love to have you in my house tonight". He continued.

"Wait...what?". My expression totally shows that I'm never going to accept his offer.

He laughed dryly as he pressed his body against mine. "Why are you surprised? Don't you find me attractive? Besides, if you are able to give me what I need tonight, maybe you will get your app funded".

 I stood straight to him. My chest rising and falling from his nasty words. "With all due respect sir, I will love to leave. So if you don't mind..."

He pulled back the strand of hair falling on my face. "Many women would kill to have this opportunity". His voice filled with desire.

 As much as I find him attractive, I can't bring myself to sleep my way into getting a job.

But looking at this, having him will only make Stephanie mad.

And that is the goal.

Make James jealous and drive Stephanie insane. "Fine, tonight". I said boldly.

He laughed victoriously. "That's my girl. The same house, nine p.m. for dinner".

Daniel's POV

 Just as I had ordered Lady Jane, my house staff. The meals, the drinks, the decor, everything was perfectly placed in order.

 "Leo... I just sent you an address. Go and pick up the lady and bring her here. She will be waiting," I commanded Leo through my phone.

 I dropped my phone, and the reflection of how I met Annabel crept into my mind.

 How she bumped into me that night. Her swollen face from the tears she was holding back, her shattered voice, and how she kissed me back just to make Stephanie jealous. Her excellent presentation, her fierce look, and the urge to always challenge me.

 I have lived all my life not wanting anything to do with any woman. Not after how my father abused and neglected my mother.

The pain of seeing my mother struggle to give me a better life only made me believe that the best solution is to stay away from marriage.

 I declined attending her wedding because I knew it was not going to end well. Marriage is pointless.

Because what is the need to officially join a union? I did my investigation, and it was clear the man my mother got married to was only in her life because of my money and our family status in society.

 He owes a huge loan. For all I care, that marriage is nothing but a simple business transaction.

But what I don't get is, what will my mother gain from it? Could she really be in love with that man? And the only reason why I had Stephanie beside me was to use her as a distraction for my mother, since she can't stop singing into my ear about why I should marry and give her grandchildren.

 I picked Stephanie because my PA brought her. She said she would fit into this act.

Well, she has been doing a good job. But the latest obsession is what I don't get.

 That night, I had gone to the club to have fun when I saw Annabel run out from the room. Just then, I sighted Stephanie's bare skin, half covered with just a duvet, and a man sitting beside her. She felt guilty.

But seriously, I don't even give a fuck.

 It is just an open relationship. A contract. Do you, while I do me. Just don't get caught by my mother. Simple.

 I was still in deep thought when the entrance door opened and Leo entered.

Beside him was Annabel.

 Standing pretty just like the first night I saw her, but the difference now, she wore a sincere smile, unlike her swollen face with tears battling to fall that night.

 My eyes were still locked on Annabel. "Leo, you can leave us." Leo responded and left immediately, leaving just Annabel and me alone. Everywhere felt quiet, just the pound of our hearts and the ticking of the clock.

 I moved closer to her. "You made it." Our eyes were not leaving each other. She nodded. "Well, the table is set." I pointed at the table, leading the way while she walked behind me.

 After dinner, Lady Jane had cleared the dishes.

"The meal was nice," Annabel broke the silence. I looked at her. "I'm glad that you loved it." We burst out in laughter, one conversation leading to another.

At this moment, we were very comfortable around each other. Just again, we went silent.

"Mr. Stroke, what next?" she asked, her face looking at every other place but me. I leaned forward.

"So what... do you think two mature people do behind closed doors?" My voice was clearly sultry.

 She did not speak, nor did she look at me.

But I could see her cheeks turn pink from blushing.

 I cupped her cheeks, forcing her to look at me, which she did.

We stared at each other for a long moment, our faces inches apart. My lips hovered around hers. Our hearts raced in a fascinating way.

 We got too close, and I wrapped my mouth with hers, holding her neck to steady her. Our tongues tangled as we swallowed everything we gave each other.

She was getting heated up. And God, I wanted to take her here. Right now.

But I felt guilty.

It felt like I was trying to take advantage of her by promising to fund her project.

 I mean, her app is very good. And there is no doubt that she is among the top competitors. Clearly, from the record so far, she had already been selected by the board members. All they needed now was just my approval before emailing her.

 So using her would make her feel like she was selected because she slept with me.

 Just then, I broke the kiss and pulled away. Her expression changed.

It was clear she wanted me as much as I wanted her.

 But I didn't know on what ground.

 Is it for my money?

 Is it because of my status?

Or was she actually doing it just to get her app picked? Could she be doing it to get back at Stephanie?

 Just then, she broke into my thought. "Daniel, what's with the change of mind?" I caressed her hand with the thumb of my fingers as I fought to stabilize my urge to bend her over right here and make her scream my name, begging for more.

"Annie... the truth is that I only invited you over because I was lonely." I lied through my teeth.

Disappointed, she said, "Ohh... fine. Mr. Stroke, I'm sorry if I crossed my limit. I promise I will not interfere in your business or make our small friendship come in between our work relationship if I eventually get lucky to be picked."

 I picked up her hands. "Annabel, just be yourself around me. That's all I need." My eyes wandered around the room.

 "And I don't get intimate with my employees, so you have nothing to worry about."

 After that, we left the dining room and went to the living room.

I popped the champagne as we began to drink.

 We continued laughing and making all sorts of jokes before we realized how wasted we were. I was already close to Annabel.

 Our eyes searched for each other.

I leaned close to her. "Annie... I can't hold it anymore."

 She whispered, "Me either."

 With no delay, our mouths locked together, engaged in a deep, passionate, and raw kiss.

 I lifted her like she weighed nothing and carried her to my room, our mouths not separating from each other.

I kept planting kisses on her mouth, nose, ear, and then neck.

And that was when it struck me. Her scent. She smelled like strawberries mixed with vanilla ice cream. It was irresistible. A scent that I would wish to have beside me every day.

 Annabel's legs were wrapped around my waist, not letting me pull out. She threw her head backwards as I kept kissing her.

 My hand went down to her dress, pulling it up as I cupped her breast, squeezing it like my whole world revolved around them.

 A soft moan escaped her mouth. "Mr. Stroke, take me," she pleaded.

 Just her sultry voice drove me crazy, and a growl escaped my chest.

 I pulled down her lacy panties and found her already dripping wet.

The sight left me dilated.

I pressed my fingers inside and gave her a thrust.

She responded by widening her legs to let me in. Then I thrust again, and again, repeatedly, until she was screaming my name.

"Dan... Dan. Please. Take me, I'm all yours."

Having my name on her lips drove me crazier.

I pulled off my shirt and was about to unzip my pants when she dozed off, probably from the alcohol I gave her.

 That was when realization hit me harder.

 Fuck.

 What was I doing? She was acting under the influence of alcohol. And I was about to take advantage of that?

 I couldn't even control myself.

Annabel's POV

 The ringing of my alarm jolted me from sleep. I quickly reached to turn it off, only to notice I was not in my house.

The room was totally different from mine, the expensive sofa, the white-painted walls, and the soft mattress.

 I jumped up from the bed, finding myself half-naked and covered with a duvet.

 What did I do?

 Did I actually sleep with him? The last thing I

remembered was us drinking and laughing, then our eyes meeting, refusing to part, and Daniel calming my mouth as we went into a passionate kiss.

 But how did I get to his room? How I barely had clothes on was what I couldn't place my head around.

 "Did something really happen between us?" I muttered, a question only Daniel could possibly have answers to.

 But wait... Daniel. Where is he?

 I quickly dressed up and went downstairs, but I didn't see him. He must have left me.

 How could he? Who on earth brings a girl over for dinner and just leaves her like that, with no words?

I must be too foolish to think Daniel would ever want anything to do with me.

I'm not even in his class. There must be millions of classy ladies lining up for him to choose from.

So why did I even think something could make him want me? Besides, he already told me he doesn't fling with his employees, putting me completely out of the league.

 But why on earth am I this pained?

I had convinced myself I was only doing this to get back at James and Stephanie.

 With anger, I picked up my bag and left for home.

 *********

 The long-awaited day was here. I had messaged my dad that I would be coming over, after months of being apart because of school and work.

 It was a good thing I would be visiting, at least I would finally see my new mom, the woman who stole my father's heart.

 When I got home, everything had changed. The same house, but with a different interior. The furniture had been replaced with something more expensive.

The garden, the cars, everything screamed luxury. And that was when it dawned on me that my father had not just married any woman. It was obvious he had married a billionaire.

 I was still bringing out my luggage from the cab when my dad's voice called out, "My sweet," just like he always called me.

He looked ten years younger and happier. I could tell his new wife was really doing a good job.

 My jaw dropped when I saw him, and I ran up to him. "Dad!" I embraced him so tightly that anyone could tell how much we had missed each other.

 Just when I was still in his grip, a voice from the background called out, "Annie."

 I turned and met a lady I presumed was my father's new wife.

She wore a sky-blue silky dress that revealed enough skin on her chest.

Her short grey hair curled perfectly, her skin glowed, and her dark-brown eyes sparkled. Her grin grew wider when our eyes met.

 "Over here, my baby," she waved at me.

 A flash of disappointment wailed through me. Not that I hated her, but I was surprised my dad had settled for an older woman after years of being single.

 This woman could possibly have birthed a child at least twice my age.

 I gently moved to where she was and returned the smile, not fake, but definitely not the energy I thought I would give when I finally met my stepmom.

 I met her gaze. "You are welcome. My father has already told me much about you."

 She nudged my dad playfully. "Wow... really?" she asked, smiling brightly as she took my hand.

We entered and took our seats, chatting as we settled in. "So tell me, what did your father tell you about me?" she asked, still smiling brightly.

 I tilted my head, still keeping up my smile. "Everything nice. He said you make him happy."

She placed her hands on her chest. "Awwwww," she grinned like a teenager who had just met her first lover, her eyes fixed on my dad.

 Dad returned the smile, brushing his thumb across her face. "You are the best thing that has happened to me in years."

He leaned closer, gently took her hand, and pressed a soft kiss to the back of it. I felt uncomfortable.

 I cleared my throat gently, just to remind them I was still there.

 They both laughed softly, tapping each other playfully.

 Then the lady turned to me. "Ohh... Annie, forgive my manners. My name is Fiona. I'm sure your dad told you, but it is only right that I give you a proper introduction."

 "You know what?" Her face was still beaming with joy. "I have a son too, you'll be meeting him soon. I'm sure he'll be glad to have you as a sister."

 Sister?

 Well, this was my father's choice, and I would have to respect it.

 At least, I would be benefiting from the union.

Ever since I turned an adult, my dad had been excessively protective. I believed having a woman in his life as a distraction would be for the best.

 Meanwhile, Fiona pulled out her phone, waking the screen with a tap, and showed it to me. "This is my son," she said, still smiling ear-to-ear. "His name is Daniel."

 My body froze.

 How was this even possible? I recognized the face.

The same man whose bed I had just left a few hours ago. It was clear as sunlight through glass.

 In the picture, he stood tall, the navy-blue suit clinging to his frame like a second skin, sleek, tailored, whispering wealth without a word.

 Just like that first night at the club. The same dark eyes. His tie knotted with effortless precision. His charisma radiated even from the image.

 I was not hallucinating. It was actually Daniel. And to make it worse, he had never appeared as my brother all this while. I guessed he was also clueless about this.

 We kissed last night. It was something intense, something I could not make meaning of until now.

 Fuck.

 Now it was becoming clearer. We did not just kiss, his body was all over me. He was the one who stripped me naked.

 "What if we..."

 No.

We could not possibly have made out.

 Gosh. My head was on the verge of exploding when Fiona squeezed my hand softly. "Annie... Annabel." Her voice pulled me out of my thoughts.

 I jerked up. "I'm sorry," I whimpered.

 My dad's eyes met mine. "Baby, are you okay?" he asked, cupping my face with concern.

 My chair scraped against the floor as I leaned forward. "I... I'm alright," I stammered.

 At this point, the only thing I needed was answers to my numerous questions.

 Because not only had my dad brought home an older lady as his wife, now this? The man I had made out with was my father's son.

 Fiona stood up from where she was seated and came to me. Her hands softly brushed mine. "Annie... I was thinking, maybe you can go see my son. He's always busy, and I think you meeting him will help you bond as siblings."

 I swallowed hard. "Do you think so?"

 She gave me a playful tap. "Don't be silly."

Then her shoulder dropped as she took my hand. "I'll send you his address. I've already informed him. He'll be waiting for you tonight."

 "Tonight?"