Putting her last pair of shoes in the her suitcase, Alana looked around her room to make sure she had packed everything. Seeing that there was nothing left, she zipped the suitcase and placed it aside before exiting the room.

Her feet padded down the stairs, and she made her way straight to the sitting room where her aunt was in a meeting with her business partners. As she reached the door, her hand was just a few inches away from the handle when she paused, contemplating her next move.

She didn't want to disrupt her aunt's meeting, but at the same time, she couldn't wait any longer because it was almost five o'clock.

After contemplating for a few minutes, Alana finally decided to gather the courage and enter the room. She excused her aunt from the sitting room, completely ignoring the eyes that fell on her.

"What is the matter?" Rosalind asked when they were outside the room, concern evident in her voice.

"Uh..." Alana bit her lower lip nervously.

Even though she had already rehearsed her story in her head and said it to herself over and over again, she was still doubtful that it would sound believable to her aunt. She knew how terrible she was at lying.

And telling the truth was out of the question. Alana couldn't tell her aunt about the contract with Roman; her aunt would disapprove of such an agreement. So lying was the only option left. Alana mentally prepared herself before starting to speak.

"Do you remember my friend I told you about this morning?" Alana asked, her voice slightly hesitant.

Rosalind nodded. "Of course, I remember," she replies, her curiosity evident.

Alana ran her fingers through her hair, nervously twirling the tips of her hair.

"The thing is, her parents just finalized their divorce yesterday, and it had a huge impact on her because she's been going through a lot lately," Alana explained

She paused to weigh her aunt's expression, seeing that Rosalind was paying rapt attention to her story, she then continued. "So she asked me to move in with her, just until she feels better, and I agreed to it."

No reply came from Rosalind as she was trying to process what her niece had just said.

"But you just moved in here," Rosalind said. "You can't just move out like that. You should have spoken to me first before making this decision to leave."

"I'm sorry, but it happened so fast, and I just couldn't say no. Plus, I think this is what's best for me. I haven't really felt at home since I got here," Alana said, her voice filled with a hint of sadness.

Rosalind's eyes widened, but Alana continued, undeterred by her aunt's expression.

"I just need to be away from family. I see the way you look at me, like I'm some fragile, dying flower who ends all the nourishment it can get, but I'm okay. I know you're only worried about me but I can't stand the looks anymore."

Alana paused when she saw the hurt in her aunt's eyes, but she hardened her heart and continued. "I'll only be gone for a month so you don't have to worry about me." She added.

Rosalind was speechless which only worried Alana because she thought her words had hurt her aunt

"You have my permission to leave," Rosalind said after the brief silence. "But on only one condition, that you promise to call me whenever you can." She added, knowing that insisting on everyday would be too much for her niece.

With a wide smile on her face, Alana wrapped her arms around her aunt in a tight hug.

"Thank you so much. I promise to call whenever I can," Alana said, her excitement evident in her voice.

"So when will you be leaving?" Rosalind asked as soon as they disengaged from the hug. "In less than five minutes," Alana replied.

"Oh, I was thinking we would be able to have dinner together tonight," Rosalind said, with a disappointed face. "But it's fine."

Her eyes drifted behind Alana. "I need to return back to my meeting, dear."

Alana nodded, and Rosalind patted her shoulder before walking away.

Alana exhaled. "That was easy," she mumbled to herself before going back to her room to take her luggages outside.

A black car pulled into the parking lot precisely at 5 pm. A man in a black tailored suit stepped out of the car, his gaze sweeping across the compound.

Alana glanced at him, wondering if he was her ride. She left her luggage by the doorstep and approached the man to confirm her thought.

As the man looked around with a contemplative expression, his gaze shifted to Alana. Just as she was about to speak, the man beat her to it.

"Good evening," the man greeted. "I'm looking for Alana Gates."

"I'm Alana," she replied. "Did Roman send you?" Alana questioned curiously.

"Yes, he did," the man replied, surprise flickering in his eyes.

Alana noticed his expression but pretended not to.

The man loaded her belongings into the car and opened the back door for her. Alana stepped in, and he followed suit, starting the engine.

As the car drove off, Alana looked back at the gates until they disappeared from her view. She felt a twinge of disappointment that she didn't get the chance to speak to Ryan.

Letting out a sigh, she rested her head against the side window, enjoying the evening scenery.

The ride was utterly quiet, but Alana didn't feel comfortable due to the driver's occasional short glances at her through the rearview mirror.

"Where are we going?" Alana asked, when she noticed that they were not following the route to Roman's mansion, but instead were heading to some other location.

"To Roman's house, miss Gates," the man replied. "He doesn't live in that house where you met with him. He lives in a penthouse." He explained further.

Alana nodded, leaning back in her seat, digesting the new information.

Finally, the car came to a halt in front of an impressive high-rise building. Alana stepped out of the vehicle, her eyes scanning the entrance as the man retrieved her luggage from the car. They made their way towards the building's entrance.

The lobby was equally lavish, however, Alana couldn't admire the elegance that surrounded her, as it reminded her of the place where she used to live.

As they entered the elevator, Alana's heart quickened its pace. There was a mixture of uncertainty and nervousness coursing through her veins.

The elevator doors slid open, revealing a spacious penthouse with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered breathtaking views of the city skyline. Alana stepped out, her eyes darting around the place.

"This way miss Gates." The man called on her attention and she followed him.

The man stopped in front of a particular door. He seemed to be contemplative on whether to enter or not, but he finally opened the door and stepped in. He put her things down just a few steps from the door and scratched his hair nervously.

"Roman doesn't usually share this room with anyone, so I think you should wait until he gets back before you unpack your things," he said.

Alana nodded in understanding, and he left to get her remaining belongings from the car.

She sat on the couch, her gaze settling on a king-sized bed adorned with opulent black linens and plump pillows. She did not plan on sharing a bed with Roman, but since it might happen, she was happy that the bed was big enough.

The man returned almost immediately with her things.

"Do you need anything?" the man asked. "I can order something for you if you're hungry."

Alana shook her head. "I'm good. Thanks, though."

"I'll be in the kitchen, just in case you need anything, and I'm Erin, by the way." the man finally introduced himself.

Alana stared at him for a moment before nodding, and he left.

...

After eating the noodles Erin had ordered for her, Alana took a hot bath and got ready for bed. It was already past 11 pm, and Erin had already informed her before he left, that Roman would not be returning that night.

Therefore, there was no need for her to wait for him. Alana slipped into the bed and held a pillow closer for added comfort. In no time, she drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, she woke up to absolute silence. She remained in bed for a while before finally getting up.

Yawning, she began running her fingers through her hair.

As she was still fiddling with her hair, the door suddenly swung open, and Roman entered with a woman.

Alana's eyes widened in surprise when she saw who the woman was, and it was clear from the woman's expression that she was similarly taken aback.

"Katherine."

"Alana! What are you doing here?" Katherine asked, her shock and surprise on seeing Alana evident in her voice.

Words seemed to have left Alana's mouth, as she stared at Katherine then Roman then back to Katherine again, dumbfounded.

What on earth could her Mother's best friend; Katherine Haze, be doing here of all places. What was she even suppose to reply her.

Thoughts upon thoughts ran through Alana's mind at once and all she could do was blink at the woman who stood by the door waiting for her answer.

Alana was too overwhelmed by the situation that she did not realize how revealing her night gown was.

Katherine eyed Alana from head to toe, her surprise face turning to an annoyed and irritated frown.

"What is she doing here, in your room?" Katherine asked, turning to Roman for an answer.

"Wait outside," Roman said to Katherine, his voice calm and his face showing no emotion.

"Roman..."

"Wait for me outside Katherine," Roman repeated, cutting Katherine off.

He did not even spare her a glance as he spoke. His eyes were focused on Alana all this time, and this only incensed Katherine. She threw a hard stare at Alana before leaving the room and slamming the door close.

Roman leaned casually against the wall by the door. His jaw worked for a moment as his eyes caressed Alana's form.

"Are you trying to seduce me? It's a bit premature to start deviating from the contract, don't you think?" he said, his voice cool, with a hint of amusement dancing in his tone.

Alana stared at him, confusion in her eyes.

'What is he talking about?' she thought to herself, as she stared at Roman.

Roman's eyes moved down to her chest. "The contract explicitly says that you are not allowed to seduce me. You must remember that part since you read it only yesterday, right?" Roman asked, his eyes lingering on both her breast, before he met her eyes again.

When Alana still gave him the weird stare, Roman sighed, wondering how dense she could possibly be.

"You do realize that you are half naked, right?" Roman asked.

That was when Alana took a look at herself, only to see that her entire body was exposed in the light, see through night gown she was putting on. Her perky breasts were fully on display and every other other part of her.

She gasped in panic and quickly grabbed the duvet, using it to cover herself in a flash speed. Her face instantly turned red in embarrasment.

The only thing that stopped her from fainting was the fact that she was putting on a panties underneath.

She could only imagine the thoughts that were running through Katherine mind right now after seeing her like this.

What in heavens name was she thinking when she put on this night gown last night. She must have lost her mind yesterday, because she never sleeps with things like this.

The only reason she bought this piece was because of her friend's persuasion, ex friend rather since they were no longer friends

Roman smirked, finding amusement in her expression.

"You are very comical Alana." Roman stood straight and opened the door. "We are not done here," He said with a serious voice before leaving the room.

Alana finally raised up her head to look at his back as he left. A frown settling between her brows. She couldn't help herself from thinking about what business he might have with Katherine.

The both of them had been in a compromising position when they walked in and with the way Katherine reacted at seeing her here, it was obvious that she was jealous.

Alana cleared those thoughts from her mind and instead decided to freshen up a bit.

The memory of Roman seeing her half naked body flashed through her mind, the tips of her ears instantly turning red with embarrassment, as she facepalmed herself.

"Ha you stupid dummy!" She scolded herself as she made her way to the bathroom.

Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Katherine continued to tap her feet angeryily as she waited for Roman, her patience growing thin by the second.

When Roman finally entered the kitchen, Katherine rushed towards him.

"What is that girl doing in your bedroom, Roman?" Katherine questioned with impatience in her voice.

Roman had a bored look on his face as he stared at Katherine's angry face. He simply brushed past her and walked to the fridge. He grabbed an orange juice pack and poured the liquid into a glass.

He gave the glass to Katherine, who took it in a haste and sipped from it, almost chocking.

"You seemed to know miss Gates quite well," Roman stated, casually.

"She's my friend's daughter," Katherine replied, as she set the glass down on the counter.

She leaned closer to Roman with a calculative look. "What is she doing in your personal bedroom. Are you f*cking her too?"

Roman leaned even closer to Katherine that their lips were just inches apart. He slowly ran his fingers on her chick causing her to shut her eyes.

"I thought you would have understood by now that matters like this are none of your business, Katherine," Roman said and pulled away from her.

Katherine's eyes snapped open immediately. She seemed taken aback for a moment by Roman change in demeanor, before she regained her composure.

"What do you mean by that?" Katherine asked.

"Who I f*ck or allow inside my bedroom is none of your concern. Don't tell me that you have suddenly forgotten that?" Roman asked with a hard expression.

"I just thought that I had a right to know, because-"

"I am ending our contract." Roman said, cutting her off.

Katherine eyes widened in both horror and shock "B-But why?" She asked, stuttering due to her shock.

Everything was happening so fast, that she had no time to fully take in the situation.

"Because I've simply grown bored of you, and you've started to become obsessed with me which I find disgusting," Roman replied bluntly.

The cold intensity in his voice could easily slice through ice, but Roman couldn't care less if he was breaking Katherine heart at that moment.

After all, what they shared was mere business and pleasure and nothing more. She was expected to know more than anyone what a heartless man he was when it came to romance.

After a moment of silence, Katherine finally found her voice to speak. She looked at Roman with tears glittering in her eyes.

"I don't accept it. You won't end it, not after everything," Katherine said, with pain in her voice.

Roman only stood still, staring at her, with no emotion in his eyes.

Erin stepped into the kitchen and Roman's attention moved to him.

"Take miss Haze home. She is not feeling too well," Roman instructed Erin and left without sparing Katherine so much as a last glance.

...

Alana hurriedly tied her hair up in a rough bun after putting on her clothes. She sat down on the bed with a blank expression. She couldn't risk taking a shower because she was certain that Roman could walk in at any minute and who knew what he would do.

Even though he looked calm and all, she could not ignore the fact that the man was mad in some way.

And his unreasonable mood swings were another problem entirely.

Just as those thoughts were running through her mind, the door opened and Roman entered. His gaze settled on her as he took off his suit. His stoic face made it impossible for Alana to even guess what was on his mind.

"What are you doing on my bed?" Roman asked as he undid the buttons of his shirt.

Alana quickly averted her eyes from him.

"Um I'm sitting," she replied, her eyes wandering elsewhere which only irked Roman as his face instantly darkened.

"Alana," Roman called softly.

"Mmm," Alana answered but still didn't glance at him.

Seeing his nude torso was the last thing she wanted to happen not after he saw her... She blushed in embarrassment when she recalled that incident.

"Look at me," Roman ordered in calm yet hard voice, compelling Alana to reluctantly stare at him.

Only the first few buttons of his shirt were undone, but it was just enough to show a glimpse his tone chest. Alana's eyes only wandered around his chest for a slit second before her eyes instantly pinned on his cold, hard face as she dared not look downwards again like it would burn her if she did.

"Don't ever take your eyes off me when I'm speaking to you," Roman said, more like warned and Alana nodded immediately the words left his mouth.

Roman glanced at his bed, where she was sitting, and a frown creased his face. He shut his eyes and ran his hand through his black hair, a sigh escaping his lips.

"Get out," Roman ordered Alana, his eyes still shut.

Without wasting a second, Alana stood up and hurried out of the room.

Once she was gone, Roman quickly stripped off his clothes and entered the bathroom. He paused in front of the mirror, where something on the floor caught his attention. Seeing what it was, his expression instantly darkened.

After leaving Roman's room, Alana went straight to the kitchen to make breakfast for herself.

She poured cereal into a bowl and added milk to the bowl. Making herself comfortably on a stool, she began eating.

A minute later, Erin entered, tapping on his phone.

From his attire, Alana could tell that he had just returned from a morning run.

With her head no longer clouded with various thoughts, she could now discern the man's distinctive features. His jet-black hair perfectly complemented his brown eyes. He had a lean build yet was still toned.

He was also quite tall, though not as tall as Roman, who stood at about 6'6 ft, if her estimate was correct.

She refocused on her plate when she noticed him approaching her, not wanting to seem like she was gawking at him.

"Good morning, Miss Gates," he greeted.

Alana raised her head to meet his gaze before nodding in response, as her mouth was filled with cereal.

"Would you like me to prepare a proper breakfast for you?" Erin offered, but Alana simply shook her head.

"Thanks, but it's fine," she replied politely.

Eren nodded and was about to leave when Alana stopped him.

"Is it possible for me to have my own room?" Alana asked.

"I don't think I'm in a position to answer that question. You will have to discuss that with Roman," Erin replied.

Alana simply nodded and resumed eating. The expression on her face revealed her lack of enthusiasm for talking with Roman.

Not wanting to interfere, Erin left without saying anything. He assumed that she and Roman might have had an argument or something. He had returned to discuss something with Roman, but it seemed that would have to wait.

As Roman's assistant and friend, Erin was always informed about everything that went on in Roman's personal and business life. What he just couldn't understand was why Roman hadn't told him about his relationship with this girl. He had only been gone for three days, so when and how had this relationship even started? Was it not only a few days ago that there had been a misunderstanding that escalated into an incident with her?

Erin's eyes narrowed as he went up the stairs to the second floor, he felt like he was missing something.

After finishing her meal, Alana went directly to Roman's bedroom to talk to him. She was completely convinced that there was no way they could share a room. Once again, she was reminded that morning of his unpredictable nature.

Upon reaching the door, she paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts before raising her hand to knock. Just then, the door swung open suddenly, leaving her hand suspended in mid-air.

Roman wore a look of surprise when he saw her standing there.

"Have you been standing here the whole time?" he asked.

"No, of course not," Alana quickly replied, lowering her suspended hand to her side.

Roman's gaze lingered on her for a moment longer before he brushed past her. Alana hurriedly followed him.

"I wanted to talk to you about something important," she said, trailing behind him.

Roman glanced back at her over his shoulder.

"What is it?"

"It's about the bedroom. I can't-"

"Have you had breakfast yet?" Roman interrupted, cutting off Alana's words.

Alana fell silent, dumbfounded by the sudden question. Hadn't he just treated her coldly for no valid reason a moment ago?

"I'm sure you heard me, right?" Roman inquired when she didn't respond.

"Um, yes," Alana replied.

"What did you eat?"

Alana stared at his back with a blank expression, puzzled by his abrupt change of focus.

"Cereal," she replied simply.

"That doesn't really count as a meal, Alana. I'll make you some pancakes."

Alana shook her head. "I don't really like pancakes," she lied, despite loving them.

"What about bacon?" Roman inquired as they entered the kitchen.

"I do like bacon, but as I mentioned earlier, I've already had breakfast," Alana replied.

"And as I also mentioned earlier, that doesn't count," Roman retorted, gathering the ingredients he needed. "You're not six, Alana. Cereal isn't a sufficient breakfast. Besides, I need you to gain some weight; you're too thin as you are."

A frown creased Alana's face.

"I'm not thin," she shot back.

"Right," Roman said simply as he heated up the pan.

Alana raised her wrist and examined it before holding it and gently stroking it. Perhaps she was a little skinny after all, but she had always considered herself to be slender.

Her gaze lingered on Roman's back as he worked. She didn't think he had any plans to go out, given his casual attire.

She took a seat on a stool and propped her right elbow on the kitchen counter, resting her chin on her palm.

Her thoughts shifted to her stepsister. Alana was certain that the spoiled brat would be terribly bored now that she wasn't around for her to torment anymore.

As for her stepfather, she had heard that he was in New York. The very thought of him made her stomach churn with disgust.

Lost in her thoughts, Alana didn't notice when Roman placed a plate of bacon in front of her.

"What are you thinking about?" Roman's voice snapped her out of her reverie, and she turned toward him, her gaze settling on the plate before her.

"Nothing," she replied in a low voice, picking up a piece of bacon and biting into it.

Roman observed her as she ate in silence.

"You were talking to me about something concerning the bedroom, right?" he finally said after a while.

Alana nodded, chewing on the bacon. "Can I have my own room, please?"

"No," Roman replied promptly as soon as the words escaped her lips.

"Why?" Alana inquired.

"The only guest room is being used by my assistant from time to time, so there are no rooms available at the moment," Roman explained, and Alana nodded in understanding.

"Why do you want a separate room?" Roman asked. "Is the current room unsuitable for you?"

"It's not that. I don't think it's appropriate to share a room with you. Besides, our relationship is merely a facade," Alana expressed her concern.

Just then, Erin entered the kitchen.

"That is precisely why we should be sleeping together," Roman insisted.

Alana coughed, almost choking on her drink when those words escaped his lips. She glanced at Erin, who seemed busy rummaging through the fridge, but she was certain he had heard what Roman just said.

She shot a small glare at Roman, who wore an expression of indifference.

"I'm sure you agree that it is essential in every relationship," Roman said as he poured some milk for himself.

"Yes," Alana replied quickly, hoping to silence him.

However, as soon as she realized what her answer implied, she immediately corrected herself.

"No!"

Roman raised an eyebrow at her, his expression as serious as ever, even though he was only teasing.

Alana immediately stood up, her face red with embarrassment. "I'm full. Thank you for making me breakfast, Mr. Ashford," she said, and left without another word, as if she were being chased from the kitchen.

Roman smirked wickedly as he watched her scurry away like a frightened kitten. His smirk quickly dissipated when he felt a pair of questioning eyes on him.

"What?" He glanced at Erin, who had just taken Alana's former seat after clearing her plate.

"Nothing," Erin replied with a shrug, picking up the plate of pancakes that had been in front of Roman and beginning to eat.

Sitting opposite Erin, Roman rested both elbows on the counter. He didn't mind that Erin had taken the food he had prepared for himself; he had no intention of eating that morning, as he simply didn't have the appetite.

"You clearly have something on your mind, so go ahead and say it," Roman prompted, looking at Erin intently.

"Why didn't you tell me about her before yesterday?" Erin asked. It had come as a shock to him when Roman instructed him to pick up the young woman the previous evening.

Initially, he had been expecting to meet someone in their twenties, but this girl looked like she was under twenty.

"Our relationship is simply an arrangement, and it only started yesterday," Roman replied.

Erin paused eating. He could already grasp the situation without needing further details from Roman.

"Does Ryan know about your arrangements with her?" Erin inquired, looking at Roman with a curious expression.

"No, Not yet," Roman replied.

"You should have informed him about your intentions before finalizing the contract with her," Erin remarked, shaking his head. "Ryan will be furious when he discovers this."

"Likely," Roman replied, resting his forehead on his palm, his gaze fixed on the countertop as if he were seeking answers from it.

Erin's phone buzzed in his pocket, prompting him to reach into his pocket to retrieve the ringing phone.

His expression subtly shifted upon seeing who the caller was. He glanced at Roman, who remained in the same position, before excusing himself to answer the call.

Upon his return, Erin wore a slight frown between his brows.

Roman raised his head to look at him.

"Who was it?" he inquired, noticing the expression on Erin's face.

"It's your grandfather," Erin replied.

Roman frowned.

"What does he want?"