Chapter 1: End of Escape

It was a bright cold day in April, and the clock beside my bed was too loud as it was striking eight in the morning. This thing woke me up before I could feel the exhaustion of my entire body.

My face was buried beneath the pillow trying to extend for several minutes but then, a phone call followed.

Without breaking my current position, I reached for the phone beside the clock as it stopped from making noise.

“Yes?” I lazily mumbled after picking up the call.

“You sound sleepy. Ain’t got enough rest?” his voice was troubled that he might called while I was resting. Well, the clock did followed by his call.

“I got overtime last night. What do you want, Leith?”

“I want to give you a spare time to rest but I can’t do it today. I’m sorry, Greer dear, but the chairman wants to see you immediately.” I closed my eyes as I took a deep breath.

“Give me thirty minutes.” I did not wait for his response and ended the call.

I work as a private model at Falcon Industry that was known for modelling legacy. Leith, the man I was in call earlier, was my personal manager. Not to brag about it but I’m the agency’s biggest contributor.

After closing my eyes for seconds, I sat on the bed and opens the drawer beside it. Reaching for the dossier, I doubled check the thin file and it only has a few pages. It’s a petition to legally change my name and it would be my appointment for today but then something came up in the last minute. I have no other choice but to set this aside.

I immediately sent a message to my lawyer, telling that I might be late for the plans we’ve agreed today. After that, I organize myself and before the time I asked from Leith to run off, I left the condo.

It took me fifteen minutes to arrive in the company.

“Good morning, Miss Williams!” most of the staffs assigned in the reception area greeted. Some just throw a dirt look on me. I know how their mind goes and it was because the chairman always ask for my appearance.

What can I do? I deserve it since I worked hard to get myself in this point.

As usual, I nodded to those people who appreciates my existence and drop dead to those who feel unhealthy with my presence.

I walked straight to the elevator. I was too lucky that it wasn’t occupied with anyone. I was about to push the button when someone trail its way inside.

“Just in time,” he said and then looked at me, “Thank you for waiting.” he added while flashing a smile on his lips. I just stared at him for a second then ignored like he doesn’t exist.

I can feel his stares when no one between us pushed the button. He sigh when he got a silent treatment from me.

“What floor are you?” he asked after closing the door.

“20th.” I answered without looking at him.

“It’s a coincidence. Are you heading to the chairman’s office?” I remained silent.

I want to say, ‘Of course, what else would I do in the last floor of this building? Hello, that floor was the chairman’s den’ but I’m afraid to sound irony and might cut him to pieces.

I just nodded. This is also the reason why I talk less because I’m not good enough to socialize with other people’s existence.

We arrived at the 20th floor without other workers getting in and it’s really annoying because this man was too chatty in the entire time I was with him. When the elevator stopped and open, I did not hesitate to leave.

“Hey! Wait for me!” again, I ignored him because I’m not even obliged to be with him. I heard his loud footsteps from behind, trying to lessen the gap between us. “You walk too fast!” he hissed while panting when he catch up on me.

I don’t have time to waste with this man.

After minutes of walking, I stopped in front of a large door. Without hesitations, I opened it and immediately saw the chairman standing in front of the glass wall; mesmerizing the whole city in broad daylight.

“Mister Ran…” the chairman immediately turns around and the moment he saw me, a smile formed on his lips.

“Good morning, Greer.” the chairman greeted as he walks to my direction, “Oh. You’re already here too.” Mister Ran added when his eyes landed at my back.

“Good morning, Mister Falcon. Thank you so much for inviting me,” the man said as he walks in front and extended his hands on Mister Ran.

“It’s my pleasure for you to be part of my company. Thank you for not flopping my invitation, Mister Hoven,” the chairman muttered after shaking hands, “By the way, this is Greer Williams. The biggest success of Falcon  Industry. She will be your partner in this upcoming project.” he added after turning his gaze on me.

“Oh…” Hoven mumbled. I can feel his stares.

“Please take a seat before we start discussing the matter here.” I nodded and walk to the sofa.

“It seems that you already adapted this place,” Hoven said as he sat beside me. I just nodded, “Hey, don’t give me silent treatments thrice in a row.” he demanded.

How can I not when the chairman always asked my presence personally?

“I don’t like talking too much with humans.”

“We are going to work in the same project. Together.” he said while emphasizing the last words. I rivet my eyes on him.

“Working together doesn’t need deep connection.” I heard him said more words but I did not pay any attention. Giving him another second of attention is a waste of time.

“Here’s the script for the upcoming music video,” Mister Ran said while giving us a corporate folder, “I hope that both of you will spend more time together before final shooting.” he added.

Once again, I felt Hoven’s stare but this time, I was certain that he was grinning.

Anyways, I still don’t care.

I stood up.

“Is this all chairman?” Mister Ran nodded, “Well then, I’m going to leave first. I have an important appointment today and will gonna check the script before the day ends. I will excuse myself,” I said and immediately turned my back.

“Take care.” Hoven shouted. I shrugged my head and walk straight to the elevator.

Disturbing noise greeted me after getting out from the company.

I was about to call for a cab when a black transporter suddenly stop in front of me. The door opened and before I could speak, I was pulled inside. They forced me to sit down when I urge to get out.

I looked at the men who pulled and forced me in. There are three of them while wearing black suits and earpiece. They sat at my back like nothing happened. What the heck?

“I finally found you, Greer.”

I was horrified after hearing the deep and husky voice. With hunching shoulders, I slowly move my body to the front.

It’s him.

He was sitting in front of me with crossed-legs and his old habit death stares.

Butterflies suddenly appeared in my stomach as me eyes were battling with his gray and ruthless stare.

My breathing accelerated when his voluptuous lips formed a curve. Tension suddenly increased in my muscles as I started sweating.

“Are you afraid?” he asked with a grin. I opened my mouth but with just a snap, his point finger are shutting my lips down. I trembled when he put his mouth closer to my ears, “You are invalidated to speak.” he whispered.

The moment his breathing touched my skin, it gave me goosebumps; the feeling I’ve been avoiding for the past years.

He took his finger away from my lips and gently holds my cheeks. His big and warm hands was coping up with my entire face while my nerves are trembling in fear.

I hold my breathe when he stared directly to my eyes. He gave me his sweetest yet phony smile.

“You stood me up from our wedding four years ago and now, you are going to change your whole name?” he muttered with a smile, “You are so cruel, Greer.”

I remained silent while staring at him.

How did you know that I was here, Gideon?

I was startled when he suddenly put his forehead on mine and closes his eyes. The moment he opened it, it was full of pain and longing.

“I’ve been searching for you all over the country but I never imagined that you’ve been hiding here for four years. Why choose this place, Greer?” my throat were closing up as I stared at him. I blink and tears suddenly streamed down to my face.

My chest suddenly feels an excruciating pain.

Remembering those four years of hiding and now, he found me before I could hide myself.

“Even if you change your name multiple times. You can’t escape from me. What’s mine will always be mine,” his deep voice was enough to make me shiver in fear.

I already know that in the first place. Running away from someone like him is a false hope.

I’ve been rejecting the fact for four years but now, I understand it. I cannot escape from his web.

He loves me but accepting his affection is like a death wish.