CHAPTER 1

Lia(Young Miss of the Smith family)

My eyes closed subconsciously as I inhaled the sweet warm smell emanating from the sea (Beach)while the cold breeze penetrated my body, giving me the urge to let out a soft shivering groan. Somehow, coming back to New York made me realize the joy of being home after so many years of leaving my family and everything behind.

However, what proved challenging to leave behind was the memory we shared. Despite my efforts to move on,his memory kept pulling me back in a way I couldn't comprehend.

And I've heard many times, people say out of sight is out of mind, but those words are not applicable to me. The memory of him lingers in my mind, it drives me crazy.

And at this time, I'm back to embrace the memory, that soul behind those beautiful memories that refuse to let go of me. I'm back to have him all to myself even if I have to unravel my mysterious past.

The thought of him erupts a great volcano in me, making my thought as chaotic as one could imagine.

I squinted my eyes shut as tears rolled down my soft cheek while my palm instinctively clasped a hard skin-like object on the beach lounger.

“Gosh!what the hell is that” I retracted,my gaze falling on a tall, slender figure who was sitting beside me with a bland face.

He was wearing a rich fluid shirt layered over a timeless polo neck and a well tailored wool hop-sack trouser that perfectly suit his physique.

“Pardon my manner, I didn't mean to touch you,” I added and stood up, preparing to leave.

“I don't ca-” he didn't get to complete his words before he was flooded with series of questions . A flash of very bright light flickered as the media approached us with curiosity written all over their faces.

"Mr Bryan, we heard you're here to welcome your fiancée,the young Miss of Smith family who just arrived from New York”

" We were notified that you were forced to be with a girl you barely know, is that true? "

“ Oh!what a beautiful lady, She is probably the young miss of Smith family” a plump lady exclaimed as she directed the crowd's attention towards me.

My lips twitched as I bit my lower lip while I silently cursed my manager, who told me earlier that the media won't appear here.

“Hum, I am–

“ My personal life is none of anybody's business, so it's better you all keep your goddamn questions to yourself and don't get on my nerves” he announced angrily and firmly clasp my hand in his as he dragged me out of the crowd.

My eyebrow furrowed as I followed him like an obedient puppy who is afraid of getting scolded by its owner and for a moment, I was in a daze. I couldn't believe such a fearless and cold being was in existence. Everyone believes the media is a compelling societal tool that could destroy one's life within a twinkle of an eye. But this person didn't just compromise everyone's belief, he totally trashed it.

A teasing sound escaped my mouth while a smile appeared on my face as my brain replayed the event that just happened.

“What the hell are you trying to do the other time.Oh! you want to make a motivational speech? Or an argumentative speech?”he questioned, snapping me out of my thoughts.

“I was only trying to address the crowd, so I could reduce the tension” I murmured.

“ You're not the young miss of the Smith family, so I wonder why you're willing to trade your sanity in exchange for clarification. Do you think the media is a joke that you can just pull a stunt? "He questioned.

My lips curved upward as I heard him utter the last statement.

“The pot calling the Kettle black. Pull a stunt? What a joke”I smirked while I watched him walk into the hotel room.

“ Hun? "He turned and stared at me with a killing expression.

“Never mind” I responded and gulped nervously.

“This whole mess started because of your recklessness, I wouldn't have been in this situation if I wasn't caught talking to you.”he yelled angrily at me.

“ Me? Why're you shifting the blame on me?how is this all about me? I questioned in frustration.

"Perhaps, the so-called young Miss is to be blame. I wonder where and how this reporter got this fake rumor. I don't even know what she looks like. To hell with the young miss of Smith family”He snorted angrily.

My eyes narrowed as I stared at him dreadfully, I couldn't believe this shameless guy accused me and shifted the blame on me twice. I would have argued a thousand times, if I was told my first day of arrival would be this messy.

“You've got something to say?spill it out and stop staring at me like a statue” he deadpanned.

“ Oh!no.can-i — leave-now ?”I stuttered while trying to take a deep breath and gather my thoughts.

For a second, I wondered how a hot-tempered guy like him could survive as a public figure. Being the eldest daughter of the Smith family has always been a burden to me, but ending up with a man like him would be my greatest misfortune.

“The reporters are gone, leave my room” he replied.

His bossy statement made me realize I've been hypnotized by invisible forces. I couldn't believe I walked into his room with my two Left legs.

Without bothering to give an affirmation, I dragged my feet and sluggishly walked out of his room.

My door made a clamp sound as I made my way into my room and lay flatly on my bed like a drowned chicken.

Today has been a hectic day with series of chaotic events, pioneering from the flight stress, media uproar and above all, meeting a psychopathic being. My lips twitched as I recall my encounter with him.

“Dur! He almost made me have a heart attack” I muffled drowsily as I felt my consciousness ebbing away.

To be continued...