chapter 9

Bliss. The best word to describe his time with Alissa. There wasn’t any fighting or any arguments. Just him, Alissa and Hope having a great lunch together.

Hope was telling him all about Sarah and Willow and how both has become her best friends. She would also tell him everything from her favourite colour to her favourite food and to the favourite places she had go and wanted to go. This includes her obsession with fairies and Tinkerbell.

Everything went well until Hope mentioned  how the actor in the real life Peter Pan movie would be the man or boy she would want to marry when she's all grown up.

She was too young for that kind of stuff. He became so annoyed at her statement that he was planning  to keep her all to himself and refused to allow any boy to date her until she turned 30 but of course he wouldn't tell her that. That sounds ridiculous even for him.

He didn’t know when or how did that little girl had stolen his heart. If it was the other way around, he couldn't imagine if Clarke would be willing to care for his own daughter just as he is willing to love his.

Some people would call him stupid for taking responsibility for a child that is not even his but sweet Hope, his neráida has become something that he is willing to give his life for because everything about that little girl reminds him of him.

She didn’t even look like Clarke but that's probably because she has her grandmothers hair but the colour of her eyes was all Alissa’s. She was all theirs.

He couldn’t believe it, the girl he had fallen in love with while she was all pregnant in his house has become a mother and he had thought she had looses that opportunity after what his family had done but God was gracious enough to at least save one of her child. As a twin, as much as he hated Clarke for his crime, he couldn't imagine living in a world without him 

Entering his apartment somewhere in the  upper east side, he walks through his hallway and into his grand living room. He  straight away went to his alcohol cabinet and pour himself a glass of red wine, the good old vintage bottle he had saved for quite some time but he didn't expect to open it anytime soon seeing  he hasn't achieved his dream yet which is to be more successful than his own proud father but now, it didn't matter anymore. He already have everything he never knew he needed.

A rustling from the front door made him look up and he lean back when he see Randy approaching him with a  paper gift bag in his hand.

“Hello Sir, I just want to send you this pie. My wife made extra so I thought you might want to have some taste since you told me told me how you liked it before.”

“Thanks Randy, I appreciate that. Send Eloise my regards. I’m kinda full right now so I’ll be eating it tomorrow.”

“Really? Where were you up to this morning? You were gone the whole day. I mean that’s what I do, isn’t it?” Randy raised his brow.

“Yeah, I just want some time alone with Allisa and Hope. Nothing personal, big guy.”

“With Mrs Perez huh? She's really beautiful. I didn’t know why you let her slipped from your finger.”

Daniel chuckled. “ It’s Mrs Walton to you, Randy and I know. I’m pretty stupid aren’t I? I want her back, Randy. I don’t care what I need to do. I just want her here in my home and with our child.”

Randy just stared right through him. Sad gaze falls upon his brow.

“You think Clarke knows?”

“I don’t know and I don’t care. Alissa is my legal wife. If he know what's good for him, he should stay away and leave us alone. Brother or no, I will hurt him if he's up to no good.”

“Your mother didn't like her.”

“It didn’t matter to me. Plus, she's different now. Both her and dad, after the accident, they've changed but I don’t know how much changes he has gone through.”

“Hopefully something good, sir.”

"Don’t we all."

...

Monday morning definitely a day she would prefer to just sleep at home and stay with Hope as long as she wants to but fate wasn’t too kind with her. Alissa had to handle so many work starting from the emails she has gotten on behalf of Daniel and dealing with so many visitors that morning.

Plus one visitor has been a pain in her ass. Right after Daniel came to the office, she was busy clearing up his desk when Daniel came up behind her and try to kiss her cheek. Alissa quickly pushed her arm to avoid his lips and stagger back. He blinked at her reaction.

“What’s wrong, Alissa?”

“Nothing is wrong, sir. I’m your secretary. That's it. I would appreciate it if you just stop manhandling me.” She answered coldly and continue to arrange his desk.

“Manhandling you? Are you kidding me? You are my wife! I have every right to kiss you especially on your cheek which I think is decent enough.”

“Sir, I’m here to assist you with your work, not to flirt with you or be intimate with you.  It’s very inappropriate and very unprofessional.”

“Why do you keep calling me Sir? What happened to Daniel this and that like Jesus, why you being so cold.? We’re going straight to square one.”

She slammed his file and stare at him. Both of them was upset at each other.

“I’m not! I’m just being realistic. You're my boss and I’m going to treat you like one. I refuse to have anyone find out about our relationship because unlike them, we know the whole story of our history so please let me do my work and we won’t have any problem, got it?”

“You got to be kidding me. You’re killing me right now, Alissa. Do you know that?” He starts to wander back and forth which looks cute in her eyes. She bites  back a giggle.

“Oh, I’m sure you would be fine without me, sir. After all, three years is a very long years. Surely you have replaced me especially when we have never bonded in our life.”

“Do you really believe that, Alissa?” He stops and push his face closer to her.

I hope not.

“It doesn’t matter what I believe in. I just want to work peacefully and I want you to respect that, please.”

He scoffed at her. He smiled sarcastically as he replied. “Fine but are you sure you’re not going to regret doing this?”

I think I would

“Of course not. I am a professional I can take care of myself.”

Let’s just see about that, he thought to himself.

“Get me a cup of coffee this instance and do it like how I taught you before. Make it extra hot. My mind is all over the place right now.” He shook his head and gently massage his temple with his fingers.

“Sure thing.” She answers.

Before Alissa could get out of his office, his door was slammed open making her gasped at the impact. Her eyes drifted to a  beautiful blonde, definitely bleached wearing a blood red suit in tight red skirt with a long slit on her back. She walked past Alissa as if she didn’t  see her and instantly hugged Daniel.

“Oh baby, I’ve missed you so much! Where have you been"  She said, while tightening her arms around Daniel’s waist.

Daniel himself was stunned by Christine Carrington bold behaviour but when he see Alissa was staring at them the whole time, he had a wicked plan in mind.

He hugged her back and brushed her shoulder while smirking at Alissa’s direction

“I miss you too, babe. Where have you been?” 

He said to her after breaking their hugs. Looking back at Christine's face he didn't like to stare at her too much because as much as she is a beautiful girl none of that thick make up or her fake baby voice was working on him. It all seem fake. Unlike Alissa, she wasn’t being herself and that is a huge turn off for him.

He had met Christine at a dinner hosted by her father. He almost wanted to use the word obsessed because that’s how Christine is with him. Always calling him and asking him where he is all the time. She hates it when she see other woman near him so he decided to ignore her entirely. Humouring her wasn’t doing him any good.

Why she entered his office and act like they are in a relationship, it didn't sit well with him but just to spite Alissa, it was risk he was willing to plunge. Just for a while though

Christine turns to Alissa and she can see how much the beautiful heiress may not like her very much. She wasn't even smiling and one can feel an intense energy in that room.

Daniel clear his throat, causing both woman to stare at him. He came forward and introduce both of them.

“Christine, this is my secretary, Alissa. Since my old one is having her maternity leave, Alissa has been helping out a lot. Alissa, this is Christine Carington. A good friend and the daughter of one of dad's friend.”

“Dad’s friend? You can’t really call your dad, your dad in front of her just like that. It doesn't sound respectful. It's not like she ever met the guy or mean anything to him.” She smirked as she say that to Alissa.

Alissa however was grinning on the inside. She sure had met William Vann Walton and it was an experience that she doesn’t wish to repeat. A part of her was curious to see how Christine would react if she knew about her relationship with Daniel. Would’ve wiped that smirk off of her face.

“You know I always said that in front of anyone, Christine. Dad is dad, what’s the problem with that? So just chill alright. What are you even doing here? You didn't tell me you’re coming."

Christine steps closer to him and start plucking the edge of his suit. She pouted as she frown at him. 

He shook his head on the inside. So not working.

“I tried to call you but you didn’t answer. So I thought I might just surprise you here. Are you mad?”

You have no idea..

Of course I’m not. I'm just not ready to spend time with you today. I have many things to do so if you want to go out with me, you have to wait for me to finish work.”

She groaned. “But that's too long. I’m seeing my dad after this. “

“Then we have to reschedule now, don’t we?”

“But I want to spend time with you now! I miss you Daniel. Don't you miss me?”

Nope

“Of course I do but as you can see, I have a lot of work to deal with right now so let's just meet some other time. I’ll call you, how about that?”

Christine still look upset but after a few minutes, she sighed and nodded at him.

“Fine. But make sure you call me. I’ll be waiting.” 

Daniel didn’t get to answer when Christine kiss him on his cheek and left the office without acknowledging Alissa.

Standing in the office the whole time and witnessing the whole scene made her boiling on the inside. The audacity of the guy!

How dare he was giving her hope and telling her that he wants to be together again but at the same time, flirting with another woman right in front of her.

Fine if you want to play that way...

Alissa thought to herself and quickly leave his office.

...

Lunch time arrives and Alissa was arranging the files on her desk when Daniel approached looking all ready to leave his office.

“So, where do you want to eat this time? I know a great shop just across the street and maybe_"

“I’m not going anywhere with you. You’re free right now aren’t you? So why don't you call Christine and go have a date with her. Imagine how happy you would’ve made her.”

“Oh, Lisa. You know how I prefer to spend more time with you.” He crossed his arms while looking at her. He knew she was jealous. He liked that part of her so much.

“As if. Just go to your Christine and let me have a decent lunch date with Gregory. He’s waiting for me.” She ignored him while saying that. Not realising she just trigger a switch inside of him 

“Oh hell no! Don't you think it’s wrong to go out with another guy without your husbands permission, agapi mou?”

“And isn’t it wrong for the husband to flirt with another girl in front of his wife, sir?”

She regretted saying that because now Daniel was grinning at her. He knows. He freakin knows.

“You’re jealous.” He stated proudly.

“No, I’m not.”

“Yes, you are. I can see it right there, on your face.”

“Where? What did you see?” Her hands was touching her face. She had fallen for his words so she quickly pulls her hand away. She was fuming.

“My wife is upset that I’m having lunch with another friend. I’m flatter, agapi mou. Shows how much you care for me.”

“Yeah right! As if! I don’t care who you go out with and as if she is just a friend to you. Can you just go now? Gregory is waiting for me and you are really testing my patience, Daniel.” 

She was breathing so hard and wanted to leave when Daniel just stood there but before she could step forward, Alissa was pushed against the wall and both of her hands was push above her head. Her eyes widened at him as he keeps pushing her body against him. He wouldn’t even let her budge.

“What the hell are you doing? Stop it! People will see us!”

“And I’ve told you before. I wouldn’t care. Unlike you, I don’t mind anyone knowing about us or seeing us together but if it bothers you, then that's your problem.”

“The only problem we will have now is you harassing me when I just told you that I need to go before Gregory coming up here and see us together like this so can you stop?”

“I said, I don’t want you to go out with him.” 

“It’s just a lunch date. It's not like we're going on a romantic date, Daniel!” Alissa starts to breath hard. She wanted to scream so loudly but doing that would make all the people in this office floor to rush to her and find her with their boss. What a disaster would that be?”

“A date is a date, Alissa. And I know how he have feelings for you. It’s so freakin obvious.”

“He was just being nice to me! He doesn’t have any weird feelings that you’re insinuating right now so would you just get off?”

“No! You are my wife, Alissa and you can't go anywhere with another guy and if you still wouldn’t listen to me, I will...ah..” He was thinking deeply not looking at her. She snorted.

“You know what? If you want to hurt me, do it now! Show me what you are made of! I’m not afraid of you ,Daniel!” Tears pools in her eyes because of course there's are a bit of fear in her especially with him holding her like that. Daniel’s brow soften. He looked sad but that emotion slowly vanish as he becomes stern again.

“Alissa, I don’t have to hurt you to make you fall in love with me. There are many ways that I can punish you and still make you infatuated with me. Its easy.”

“Thinking highly of yourself aren’t you? Well, here's the news, pal! I’ve met more men that I find more attractive than you and guess what, Hope seems to like some of them too so, none of your charm will work on me. You got it now? Let me go! I can assure you that none of your threats will work on me!”

He clicked his tongue and their face is only a tiny inch apart.

“You shouldn't do that Alissa. Shouldn’t have talked about other men. Tell me, you still want to go out with Gregory?”

“Yes!”

“You sure?”

“Absolutely!”

“I’m going to punish you.” His voice becomes teasing.

“Go ahead, I dare you.”

“Fine, I’ve warned you agapi mou.”

Alissa didn’t understand what he was talking about but her lips was wide open when he slammed his mouth over her.

Alissa’s eyes was wide open and in shock! The nerve of this man. She tries to push him away but his hold on her was very strong and soon she was getting drown in that very kiss.

His lips on hers was so demanding. It's like he was trying to punish her for challenging him. Yet, it feels good and she end up wanting more.

Daniel lets go off her hand, expecting her to push him away but she didn't. In fact, she was wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him closer. He chuckled at her innocence and as much as he wants to take advantage of it, he wanted to protect her and just hold her, gives her pleasure that would last a life time. 

Life time had to wait when both of them are unaware of the visitor behind them. When a gasped can be heard behind them, Alissa quickly pushed him away, breaking the kiss.

Alissa started to panic since she was staring directly at Gregory whose mouth was opened wide. He was clearly surprise by what he has saw 

Gregory didn’t look angry nor he was upset. The only thing that he has to say was..

“Young lady, you got some explaining to do.”