Leanna

[Zoe's POV]

[Grandfather]

Yes!

I made a fist when my period finally came.

This was the first time I was happy that this agonizing 'thing' made its presence.

It means I'm not pregnant.

I'm not pregnant.

Somehow, I was disappointed. Somewhere in me wanted to have his child so I could have another connection with him.

I shook my head.

It was weeks since that incident in Sophia's debut. These past few days had been peaceful like I was living in a dream . . . if not for Elliot Volknov's persistent text messages and calls, asking me for a date.

I sighed and ready myself for a meeting.

----

I focused my gaze on the dignified, regal old man sitting opposite me.

Luke Jansen

This was the first time I finally met the man. I only heard and saw him on media, and they said he was intimidating and aloof.

I guess not all news are facts.

The old man didn't seem aloof to me. Intimidating maybe. But when he stared at me, his facial features softened. His eyes turned kind, and he always had this gentle smile on his face.

If I didn't know any better, the old man felt like a grandpa rather than a ruthless businessman who they'd made him out to be.

Leanna set me up with Luke Jansen the moment we got back from Hawaii. She said that the old man wanted to meet me about my work.

So here we are.

In this awkward silence.

The moment I got here, the old man didn't say nor did anything but stare at me.

"Uhmm . . . So . . . Leanna said you're interested in displaying my artwork in your newly built gallery in New York?" I started, trying to break the awkwardness.

Luke Jansen was startled, yet he didn't diminish the smile on his lips since the moment we've met.

"Yes. That'll help your exposure."

"Uhmm . . . So ah . . . How much will it be per day?"

I asked unsure because I was on a tight budget right now since I was officially disowning myself from the Collin's after what I said and did on Sophia's debut.

Luke Jansen chuckled.

"You don't have to worry about anything. I'm a fan of your works, so consider it as me helping my favorite artist."

He said favorite artist dotingly like I was his most pampered granddaughter that I restrained my brow from arching.

"Uhmm . . . Thank you . . . Then . . . Is there supposed to be a contract or something? You know, even without the daily fee, there's still supposed to be a percentage for the gallery when my painting sells."

I was not entirely ignorant of the business world since I have dealings like this in the past.

Luke Jansen grabbed a folder from his suitcase and handed it to me.

I then scanned the papers.

. . .

. . .

"My eyes must be playing tricks on me . . . I can't seem to find the numbers I'm supposed to give you."

Luke Jansen's smile grew wider. "There's none. All your earnings will be yours. As you probably know, I'm a rich man."

My lips pursed.

I got what the underlying meaning of his words.

He had every right to boost since he's indeed a rich and powerful man.

Many said Luke Jansen was a ruthless businessman.

Guess he's not all money.

I didn't trust anything free, but since Leanna knew him and he's Estela's grandfather in law to be . . .

I signed my name on the papers.

"Splendid. Now let's eat."

Luke Jansen raised his hand, and lined of waiters served us colorful mouth watery dishes.

"Uhmm . . . Are we expecting anyone?" I asked because the food could serve four hungry men.

Luke Jansen laughed that I couldn't help but smile as well.

For some reason, I was at ease with him.

"You can take home the leftovers. If you want something from the menu, don't hesitate to order."

"Xhank you."

I said between chewing. Luke Jansen didn't mind my lack of manners and etiquette as he watched me eat with a smile on his face.

----

[Leanna's POV

[Summer Ends]

"Ya khochu potselovat' tebya . . ."

"Cain, you do realize that saying the different languages of, I want to kiss you. I love you. I want you. I want to eat you, or any other romantic perverse words –– won't come out of my exam papers, right?"

"You'll never know." Cain dismissed as he brushed my long wet hair.

It had been a month since that incident in Sophia's debut, and I never saw the girl again, maybe because she was still hiding in the comfort of her home.

Not that I blame her.

That event would probably engrave forever in history. Repeated topics even in future generations to come.

On a side note, school was entirely a new place for me. It was more quiet and peaceful. I didn't know if it was because the summer was ending, and everyone was busy with exams or because everyone knew I'm dating Cain Fay.

I'm sure they know.

I felt their antagonistic glares from miles away.

But even so.

No one dared to say a word nor made an enemy of me.

If I knew this would happen, I should have announced early on that we were dating.

But oddly enough.

No news of our relationship ever appeared on TV or newspapers or any media outlet.

Just rumors.

While the shameful and humiliating scene of Sophia and her mother was still the favorite talked of the month.

"What do you want to eat later? Let's celebrate the end of your exams."

"Wagyu beef," I dismissed, and focused on my handouts, memorizing those strange, exotic, ancient alphabets on that piece of paper.

It was four in the morning, and after we took little Pluffy for his daily walk, I took a bath to refresh my mind and started to review like crazy since my brain was at its peak during this time of the day.

Cain reached out and helped me study. I got to say the man was an expert in all kinds of languages, which made me annoyed. I was flinching here and there when he whispered sweet nothings in different languages near my ear.

"Wagyu beef, it is then."

Cain read the mood that I didn't want to be disturbed as he contented himself to sat behind me on the bed –– brushing my hair in silence.

I finished memorizing the handouts after two hours and only prayed that the information would stay in my brain a bit longer, until the end of the day, at least.

I got up from the bed and noticed that Cain was no longer in my room, and my long hair was now tied in a beautiful braid.

I then carried little Pluffy in my arms when he refused to get up.

I swear he's gotten a lot . . .  heavier lately.

And . . .

. . . bigger.

I left my room and saw Cain in his three-piece suit, preparing our breakfast. I put down the little furball, strode to Cain's side, and kissed his lips.

"Sorry. I'll prepare breakfast tomorrow."

"Don't worry about it. It makes me happy when I cook for you."

He patted my head and stole a kiss before we sat at the dining table.