The month went by in a breeze, it felt like California never even happened.

I had met Natalie and I can confirm she is too good for my brother, she was not only beautiful but so polite.

She had dark hair with hazel eyes that looked almost green, way to compliment my brothers eyes, am I right?

We also ended up convincing our mom that Natalie was a sweet girl and the thing that really sold her was 'she makes him happy' hearing that, she finally caved.

I've never thought of my mom as a bad mom, I mean who would? She's just more strict than others and made me grow up in the tight environment she grew up in.

Now let's get to the topic I'm dredging to talk about...

Derick.

He's been so out of it ever since we came back.

The only thing that proves the 'date' really happened was that every morning when I get his coffee, he would give me a kiss on the forehead.

We don't talk about anything other than work and once I tried to give him a peck on the lips, to my disappointment I was rejected.

I can't tell you how embarrassed and frustrated I was that day, I didn't attempt it again.

At the moment I was going over previous emails, trying to keep my eyes open, which wad proving difficult because not only was it extremely boring but in addition my insensitive best friend kept me up with one of her new obsessions.

The guitar.

It's official! We own a guitar now, I'm not going to attempt to even learn how to play it on my own.

Work and a particular someone is occupying all the space in my mind at the moment.

I was brought out of my daze by the sweet smell of coffee.

Mmm coffee...

Wait, why do I smell coffee?! I looked up to see a familiar face who I hadn't seen in a very long time.

Sienna Corrigan.

She looks as beautiful as the first time I met her.

I remembered I was still sitting down and quickly got up.

"Mrs. Corrigan! What a pleasant surprise! Mr. Reid didn't tell me to expect your visit"

"No it's my fault for pulling an unexpected visit, coffee? You look like you really need one" She smiled warmly and I saw that her other hand was holding something and I looked down to see it's not something but someone.

It's little Cassie Corrigan.

"Hello little Miss Corrigan, how are you today?"

Did I mention I'm not good with kids? I don't know if you could tell with my character and all but I'm not really a fan of kids.

I wouldn't go all the way and say I despise them but I mildly dislike them.

One word to describe kids; annoying.

"Come on Cass, answer Ms. Downs, she's a little shy"

The little girl looked at me, she had silky shoulder length brown hair and the signature blue eyes.

She looks like Derick.

She gave me a simple wave before going back to hiding behind her mom.

"It's Julie And I'm sorry I still hadn't taken the coffee out of your hands, you can go right in by the way, he's not busy and I think it'll do him good to see the both of you" I smiled gesturing towards the door.

Saying thank you, she knocked once before walking right in.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I'm so frustrated.

I've been tired out of my mind, the second I come back and think I'm happy...

This happens:

It's been a week since I had come back home and I had gotten a call from the one person I had no intention of seeing.

My dear old father.

He had come back from Beijing recently and wanted to have lunch with me.

He obviously wanted something otherwise he wouldn't even remember he has a son and the depressing thing is; I can't even refuse.

I had asked Juliana to cancel all my meetings and when she asked me where I was going, I told her I had to go meet Issac.

She catches on quick so I know I will be interrogated when I come back.

When I got to the restaurant my father loves to go to, I gave my keys to the valet and walked in straight to his favorite seat.

The thing about my dad, when he likes something he'll keep on liking it.

I have been to this restaurant every time my father had a meeting with someone.

It's his territory...

He was already in the seat and gave me a grin.

He definitely wants something.

"Dad" I said coldly.

"Derick my boy! Is that how you greet your father after so long?"

I didn't reply and sat down.

"So what do you want?" Straight to the point, that's who I am.

"Can't we enjoy lunch first?"

"As you wish"

We had lunch with him asking me how's the company going, how's our profit income lately, he heard I was in California recently and asked what was my business there and all the like.

My answers were all short and curt.

When he was finally done stuffing his face he asked me to take him back home.

I agreed because at least I'll be there when he sees my mom, I'm praying she's not home.

A waitress came with our bill and she stared at my father like she wanted to swallow him whole.

I hate my dad and all but even I have to admit he's fit for his age.

I was about to pay when my father beat me to it.

"On me, I was the one who asked you to lunch"

I raised my brow, just tell me what you want already?!

I kept quiet and made my way to the valet to ask for my car.

When my dad came out, I saw a small piece of paper in his hand, he must've followed my gaze because he put it in his pocket.

I didn't question him already knowing what it was and got in my car waiting for him to sit in the passenger seat before taking off.

"Son,"

Well he's finally getting to what he's really wanted to meet me for.

"You're going to get married"

My car swerved on to the other lane earning me an earful of beeps and curses from the other drivers, I quickly got it back under control and parked it in a safe place near a park.

"Are you trying to get us killed?!"He yelled in anger, looking at me.

I should be the angry one you asshole.

"Who in the world am I marrying?" I said calmly, even though inside I was anything but calm, I was trying to get my temper under control before I threw him out of the car and left him there.

"Someone who I already see as a daughter and your marriage can help the business, you're almost twenty seven, it's about time you settle down"

"Dad, I already have a girlfriend"

Sorry Julie, it's urgent, I know I said we won't tell anyone but you're finally mine, can't let you go that easily.

"If you're talking about that assistant of yours, then you can forget it"

I looked at him, he's been f*cking keeping tabs on me.

"Let me ask you, what kind of profit will that girl bring to the company, when you think about it more clearly, not only is she worthless, she could also tarnish your reputation, face it, she's a gold digging bi*ch that's trying to act innocent"

My hands turned to fists, if the Juliana Downs that I know and love is like that then I don't know what woman isn't like that.

Wait, love? Do I genuinely love her? Am I sure I can love her after that disastrous relationship?

"She's nothing like that!"

He smirked, that's what he wants me to do, crack.

"So here's the deal Derick, I'd recommend you leave her alone before she gets hurt, we wouldn't want that, do we? I'll admit your assistant is beautiful but wait until you meet your fiancé, you'll forget all about that girl, by the way, she'll visit you in awhile, be nice to her, I'm sure your feelings haven't changed"

I don't know what he meant by that but before I could say anything, he got out of the car and walked to his own.

Cunning as ever.

He smirked at me whilst climbing in the back seat and to motioned his driver to drive.

Why did this have to happen now?

I made sure to call my mom and to ask if she's home or not and to tell her to go to Siennas place in case he decided to drop by, and to stay there until he left.

I was pulled out of my daze by the door suddenly opening, I was about to shout at the person who came in without even knocking but smiled instead when I saw who it was.

"Sis, Cassie what a surprise"

"You definitely looked surprised, I did knock"

"Yeah sorry, I was a little out of it"

"Heard you saw dad awhile ago, you alright?"

"I'm good, I'm fine, so tell me what do I owe the pleasure of seeing you both in my office today?"

She smiled at Cassie and looked at me.

"Oh no, that's not a good sign" I sighed.

"Cassie? do you want to tell uncle Rick why we're here?"

She smiled for the first time coming into the office showing her little teeth.

"Uncle Rick will be my nanny today!"

"Cassie! That's not what we practiced!"

"Oh! Right! Sorry, Uncle Rick will look after me today! Did I do good mommy?"

My sister smirked at my dumbfounded face and and stroked her daughters hair.

"You did great baby"

"Well, would you like to explain Sia? I'm a busy guy you know, I don't have the time in the world to even look after my sweet niece"

"That's why you won't do it alone"

I furrowed my brows and stared at her, waiting for her to continue.

She walked to the door and opened it revealing a shocked Juliana.

"Ms. Downs will be babysitting with you!"

I stared at Juliana in surprise, 'hello beautiful' I mouthed.

Her eyes widened and I saw a tint of red grace her smiling face.

"Me?"

"Don't act like I haven't noticed the chemistry between the both of you, Issac told me all about it so you have nothing to hide! Plus there's no one to look after her, it's a good excuse to spend some time together outside of work"

I looked at her.

"What do you say Ms. Downs care to help me look after my niece?" I said, reaching my hand out to her.

"I would love to" She smiled and walked towards me holding my hand and I pulled her into my embrace.

"I missed this" I whispered in her ear.

"Me too" she said into my chest holding me tighter.

Don't worry, I'll find a way to keep you by my side Juliana.

Because I love you.

⭐️💬

😘❤️✌️