Joshua's POV
As she darted towards her room, I couldn't help but feel a pang of regret. My attempt at playful teasing had clearly unsettled her. Yet, despite this realization, I found myself unable to retract the decision I had made. It was time to redefine the dynamics of our relationship.
I am Joshua Brown, the 30-year-old CEO of Brown Groups. After my father's death when I was just 17, I inherited the mantle of leadership of a sprawling conglomerate. With relentless determination, I poured myself into the business, driving it to the pinnacle of success. Until recently, I had never questioned my singular focus.
However, a recent trip to City F changed everything. Reconnecting with my step-stepbrother and witnessing the joy of his family, a son who mirrored his intelligence and a daughter exuding delicate charm stirred a longing within me. For the first time, I felt a pang of envy. Despite my achievements, I had been alone for too long, but it took that moment to realize the depth of my loneliness.
At that precise moment, a profound realization washed over me that I yearned for a family. Surrounded by the solitary confines of my work and with only a handful of friends to call upon, I found myself contemplating the void in my life. It was then that her face materialized in my thoughts, Olivia Miller, my clandestine confidante, for the past five years. I vividly recall the day we met, her youthful innocence contrasting with her bold proposition.
Flashback
"Josh, you're drunk," my best friend, Alex, chastised, his words tinged with frustration. "You didn't object when Aunt started dating that guy, and now that she's getting married, you're acting like this," he scolded, his tone unwavering.
"Eight years ago, she lost her husband and her only son. You bury yourself at work, leaving her lonely and depressed. Finally, she found someone who could bring her joy and a reason to live. You should be happy for her, Josh. You're 25 years old, act your age. I don't understand why you're suddenly acting like a clingy child," he continued, his exasperation evident.
He was spot-on. I understood all too well the depths of my mother's loneliness. Eight years ago, our family was thriving, and I was carefree, enjoying my teenage years. But the unexpected death of my father shattered our world. I underwent a transformation, withdrawing from everyone, including my mother, and throwing myself into work. Yet, despite my understanding of her situation, why was I reacting this way?
"Today, seeing her with her new husband and his son, all smiles, it felt like I lost my mother all over again. It's like I've become an
Orphan," I admitted, struggling to make sense of the surge of jealousy and irrationality consuming me.
"Oh, so you felt lonely, huh? Well, you've got the best buddy right here. There's no one who knows how to cure loneliness like I do," Alex declared proudly, his confidence radiating off him. I looked at him with concern, sensing where he was heading.
Alex Moore, CEO of AS Entertainment company, was more charismatic than most and notorious as a playboy. "The best way to cure loneliness is to have a steamy night with beauty. You'll forget all your sorrows, trust me, dude. I know plenty of ladies. Just let go, brother," he urged, his words laced with persuasion.
I frowned, feeling a wave of discomfort wash over me. I had been single all my life, and while there had been encounters with women, they were often driven by ulterior motives. Just the thought of those fake flirty advances made me feel nauseous. "Stop it, Alex. I hate those fake, flirty women. I feel sick," I snapped, my frustration evident.
"Oh, so you prefer the fresh ones, huh? I'll help you with that," Alex replied, undeterred by my protest. "Just leave me alone," I muttered, turning back to my drink. But Alex persisted, relentless in his efforts to persuade me. Eventually, as the alcohol dulled my senses, he escorted me back home.
"I have a surprise for you," he whispered conspiratorially before darting away. "Don't forget to thank me tomorrow!" he shouted over his shoulder, leaving me to ponder what awaited me with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.
As I stepped through the doorway into my home, I was taken aback to find a woman seated in my living room. She was strikingly beautiful, with long black hair pulled back into a ponytail, full and luscious red lips, and soft, flawless skin. But what caught my attention the most were her large, round eyes, shimmering with tears. It was obvious she had been crying profusely.
I couldn't help but feel a surge of frustration towards Alex for orchestrating this encounter. But as I studied the woman before me, a wave of curiosity washed over me. Why was she crying? Her choice of attire, a simple white top and jeans, seemed almost out of place in these circumstances. Had she come here willingly, or was she coerced into this situation? The questions gnawed at me, demanding answers.
"You... who are you, and why are you here?" I inquired, met with her downward gaze and a cascade of tears. Frustration mingled with curiosity as I pressed for a response, threatening consequences if she remained silent. With trembling words, she identified herself as Olivia Miller, a 19-year-old actress, summoned to this place.
Her admission confirmed my suspicions, igniting a flood of memories surrounding the name Olivia Miller—a once-beloved child actress who had enchanted the nation. Was she still the same child who had once captured the hearts of millions, or had she become a mere shadow of her former self? Eight years back, she must have been 11 or 12, still at the peak of her career. After that, I detached myself from society. What happened during those eight years remains a mystery, one that I am deeply curious to unravel.
But it's not the time to be curious about a girl. I am drunk, and I should send her back before things get messy. "Miss Olivia, I have no need for women. I don't entertain those who come to my bed. I find them dirty," I declared.
"But I am pure, not dirty at all," she retorted. Her sudden reaction shocked me; she was fascinating and cute. Recalling Alex's promise of sending a fresh girl, I pondered if she might be telling the truth. However, it didn't matter. "Whatever you are, I am not in need of a woman. You can leave, and it seems you're not willing either, so stop forcing yourself," I asserted.
"I am willing," she replied after some hesitation. I couldn't decipher her intentions, but her determined yet pitiful look momentarily made me waver. "Then prove it," I found myself saying, surprised by my own words. Strangely, I looked forward to what would happen next. She looked at me with accusing eyes, but before I could ask her to leave again, I felt a soft, petal-like touch on my lips. She tiptoed and gave me a peck. Perhaps it was because I was drunk, but I felt my self-control weakened for the first time in my life. As her faint rose scent enveloped me, my last string of patience snapped, and I succumbed to the moment.
As I held her face and kissed her, a wave of emotions rushed through me. It was my first time, and strangely, it felt so good. I could tell it was her first kiss too. She was a bit clumsy, so I took the lead. Following my instincts, I felt her initial hesitation, but I was too caught up at the moment to think about it. The kiss deepened, and I found myself experiencing a plethora of new sensations. Despite the uncertainty, I found myself thoroughly enjoying the intimate moment. At some point during our kiss, I noticed a shift in her demeanor. She was no longer resisting, instead seemed to be embracing the moment. This realization filled me with pride and happiness. The night seemed to stretch on endlessly, pulsating with the intensity of our shared experience. It was a night that would remain etched in my memory for years to come. It was a night where I truly felt a connection not just to her, but to the world around me.