after my world came crashing down - read between the lines, lost my job, my land lord threw me out, my purse was stolen...- I accepted my best friends idea. to move in with her brother. cliche right? let me tell you. it gets worse. we hated each other since like...forever? but suddenly there is this other side of me that finds his good qualities he always managed to hide. Days pass but attraction grows stronger. now should I fight the chemistry or surrender myself to playboy enemy? ******** I don't want her in my home. she hates me since the day we met. but ehat other choice do I have since my sister allowed her to use her bedroom while she gets back on her feet. but as much as I try to keep my distance from her, I can't. there is something about this girl that pulls me closer. the more she fights our chemistry, the more I want to show her how good we can be. will she be able to change a well known playboy, or will our chemistry burn to dust?
Chapter 1 (Rachel's POV)
It was another rainy day in London.
Nothing new.
I was born in London, so rain to me was something that's almost a must every day.
But when I woke up at 6am this morning, I had no idea it would be raining in my life as well.
I was sitting in my office, going over some papers for my boss and waiting for my lunch break.
See, I was just an ordinary secretary in a huge law firm but I didn't care.
I liked my job.
The only thing I didn't like was my boss.
He was a sleeze bag that groped me every time he passed my desk.
So a few days ago, I complained about him to our HR team.
I should know by now a good lawyer wouldn't fall that easily.
And that would be proven to be right to me in three, two, one...
BANG!
The doors of my office were pushed open with great force, and a loud bang resonated all around the office.
"You ungrateful bitch! I gave you an opportunity to work with the best lawyer in London and you went and reported me to HR! For what? A few touches that were accidents? Pack your things Rachel. You are fired?"
I was looking at my boss with wide eyes.
"Excuse me?"
He was red in the face from all the rage. It would be hilarious if my job wasn't on the line.
"You heard me right. Pack your things or I will call security!"
At this point, I'd heard enough.
One way or another, I had already lost my job, so what else was there to lose?
"You know what? You are the biggest self-absorbed idiot that ever walked on this earth! Accidents? Groping my butt and breasts is no accident you asshole! And you can deny it all you want, but we both know I'm right here! I feel sorry for your next assistant! Now leave my office so I can pack my things!"
He was still fuming but he did as I said and left me alone.
I packed my things in a hurry and left the building.
All I wanted now was to go home and eat all the ice cream my stomach could get.
I had just arrived home and put away my things when there was a knock at my door.
I went to open with a huge amount of exasperation.
Can't people get a hint and leave me alone?
I opened the door and there stood my landlord.
"Miss Bigsby, I need to inform you that you have to move out of this apartment as soon as possible. Technically, you only have time until tomorrow morning."
I was speechless.
"Are you shitting me right now? What's the reason behind all this? I always pay my rent on time and I am a silent tenant. There were never any complaints made about me, and I get along with every neighbour. So I really don't understand why all this now?"
He began sweating and wringing his hands.
"You see, Miss Bigsby, I got a call today. It was from Mr. Rigson. He said you lost your job because of harassment. He told me you were trying to seduce him and I am really sorry, but I can't have such a woman living in my building."
I couldn't help it anymore. I started laughing like a crazy person.
My landlord only watched with huge eyes.
I bet he thought I was crazy, and maybe I really was, considering how my day was going so far. I wouldn't really be shocked if I indeed went crazy.
When my hysterical laugh finally settled down, I looked at him and just accepted my destiny.
"No worries. I will be out of your hair by the end of the day. But next time, try getting both sides of a story before you judge someone."
With those words said, I slammed the door right in his face.
Now what was I supposed to do?
An idea hit me.
Becky!
I quickly grabbed my phone and dialed my best friend.
We have known each other practically since we were born. We lived next to each other and went to school together, but most of all, we just clicked at a young age. And even though she has traveled a lot since she was a model, we texted every day and, if it was possible, we called each other at least three times a week.
She picked up on the second ring.
"Hey babes, how's life in London?"
Just hearing her voice broke me, and a river of tears started.
I managed to tell her everything between sobs though.
"Damn Rach. It seems the universe decided to fuck you over hard today. What can I do for you? Tell me and I will make it come true."
I knew she really would, but there was only one thing I wanted to ask her.
"I will put myself together fast, you know me. But I would appreciate it if I could move into your house for a few days or weeks. Just until I find a new job."
What I said I meant it and Becky knew it. I was a stubborn person and I never gave up on anything I wanted. I fought with everything in me to get the things I wanted in life. This time will be no different.
"You know you can babes. You have the keys so just get your ass to my house and make yourself at home for as long as you need it."
I really have no idea how I managed to get such an amazing bestie.
We spoke for almost an hour, while I moaned about my missery, she tried to cheer me up with her adventures.
And like always, it helped.
By the time we ended our call, I was already halfway done with packing.
I quickly called the moving service and let them know where to pick up my furniture and the location of my storage unit where they would be taking it.
I carried my clothes and smaller belongings into my car and locked the door behind me.
I was just walking across the street to my car with car keys and phone in one hand when suddenly someone pulled my purse from my shoulder.
I tried to make a grab for it but it was too late.
The robber was already running away with it.
And judging from the development of my day so far, I didn't even bother to run after him.
I would probably manage to injure my leg or something.
So I just let my shoulders drop and continued towards my car and everything that was left of my life.
Now, universe, if you could just let me get to Becky's house, I promise to go straight into bed and go to sleep.
It wasn't even 12 o'clock but I was ready for this day to end.
Sandra Hill, the long-lost real heiress of the Hill family, was shunned by her own kin. Instead of embracing her, they bestowed their affection upon an impostor. They even arranged her to marry a vegetative man in place of her so-called “sister”. Sandra sneered, refusing to put up with this humiliation, cut off ties with the Hill family immediately and ran into the flash marriage with Wesley Cooper, her unconscious billionaire husband. With her incredible medical skills, she defied the odds and revived him. Little did she expect that her husband spoiled her with all his love... A medical genius, a computer prodigy, a national treasure in painting, and a racing legend... Her husband revealed her various identities, leaving the Hill family regretful. Her father came pleading, "It's Dad's fault. Please come back." Her mother wept, "Mom will protect you from now on. Please come back." Even her five brothers knelt before he, begging for forgiveness. Yet, Sandra's smile held a hint of mockery as she vowed, “Never!”
After two years of marriage, Sadie was finally pregnant. Filled with hope and joy, she was blindsided when Noah asked for a divorce. During a failed attempt on her life, Sadie found herself lying in a pool of blood, desperately calling Noah to ask him to save her and the baby. But her calls went unanswered. Shattered by his betrayal, she left the country. Time passed, and Sadie was about to be wed for a second time. Noah appeared in a frenzy and fell to his knees. "How dare you marry someone else after bearing my child?"
Three years ago, Cecilia was left battered and alone by the man she loved most, Alston, yet she bravely completed the wedding ceremony while pregnant. Three years later, although they were married, they grew apart over time. Cecilia focused on her career, no longer foolishly believing in love. But her transformation instantly threw Alston into a panic... And what is the secret from 11 years ago that Cecilia has always been reluctant to reveal? *** "She went to a law firm, met with a lawyer..." A lawyer? Is Cecilia suing someone? Who? Is there any recent litigation against the company? Alston suddenly chuckled coldly, "Who could she sue? I'm the CEO of this company. How come such a matter doesn't come to me first?" The assistant swallowed nervously, speaking softly, "Sir, there's no litigation against the company. She met with... a divorce lawyer."
To the public, she was the CEO's executive secretary. Behind closed doors, she was the wife he never officially acknowledged. Jenessa was elated when she learned that she was pregnant. But that joy was replaced with dread as her husband, Ryan, showered his affections on his first love. With a heavy heart, she chose to set him free and leave. When they met again, Ryan's attention was caught by Jenessa's protruding belly. "Whose child are you carrying?!" he demanded. But she only scoffed. "It's none of your business, my dear ex-husband!"
Lucia Balstone thought she had chosen the right man to spend the rest of her life with, but he was the one who ended her life. Their ten-year marriage seemed like a joke when her husband stabbed her with a dagger. Fortunately, God is never blind to people's tears. Lucia got a second chance. She was reborn at the age of 22, before all the terrible things had happened. This time, she was determined to avenge herself and let those who hurt her pay! She made an elaborate list of her goals, and the first thing on her list was to marry her ex-husband's enemy, Alonso Callen!
Rachel used to think that her devotion would win Brian over one day, but she was proven wrong when his true love returned. Rachel had endured it all—from standing alone at the altar to dragging herself to the hospital for an emergency treatment. Everyone thought she was crazy to give up so much of herself for someone who didn’t return her feelings. But when Brian received news of Rachel’s terminal illness and realized she didn’t have long to live, he completely broke down. "I forbid you to die!" Rachel just smiled. She no longer needed him. "I will finally be free."