Whisky

5

Clenching the phone in her hand, Anna thought to herself with a frown, No, I don’t have a choice. The Gabriel Group can’t go bankrupt! Besides, if I sign the agreement, the babies will survive. It seems to be a good option. It’s just that... The young master the butler mentioned is such a jerk! How dare he use this dirty trick to force me?! But since he could make the head of the hospital listen to him without hesitation and offer me so much money, he must be someone rich and powerful. I’d better not mess up with him.

Knowing what was on her mind, the butler handed her a document silently. Anna looked through the document for a long time and then said through her gritted teeth, “I’ll sign it!”

After Anna handed over the signed document, the butler said in satisfaction, “Rest assured, Ms. Gabriel. Our young master will fulfill what he has promised after the child is born. And you should stay in this villa until the baby is born. We’ll arrange for doctors and nurses to look after you.”

After signing the agreement, it suddenly dawned on Anna that the butler didn’t seem to know that she was pregnant with twins, and the agreement said that they would take one child from her.

She thought to herself, So, does it mean that I can raise the other child with the money they are going to compensate me? But I don’t think I can fool the doctors and nurses to believe that I’m pregnant with only one child. Wait! The money! I can bribe them with the money! Also, that mysterious man only wants one child. It doesn’t matter to him if I take one of his children away. Besides, they’re also MY CHILDREN!

***

Anna was an easy-going person. And soon, she became friends with the doctors and nurses that the butler arranged for to look after her. As they got along with each other better and better, they were even willing to help Anna keep one of her children to herself.

During the pregnancy, Anna felt that time passed slowly yet quickly. She could only walk around inside the villa for months. As the villa and the surroundings were heavily guarded, it was impossible for Anna, a pregnant woman, to run away.

Occasionally, the butler would come to the villa to visit Anna and see how she was doing. Yet, the mysterious man had never showed up. Anna didn’t know who he was or what he looked like, however, she was pregnant with his children. And when she touched her belly, she often had the feeling that she was living in a nightmare.

8 months later…

Rumble!

A thunderclap woke Anna. A bit terrified by the thunderclap, Anna turned on the light and sat up. Suddenly, she felt a sharp pain in her belly. Sweating all over, she felt that her water broke.

Because it was the first time that Anna was going to give birth, she was very scared. And the fact that she would have twins scared her even more. She was scared that something would happen to her during the labor, and she was scared that both of her children would be taken away. However, at this critical moment, she had no choice but to trust the doctors and nurses.

Then, with all her strength, she reached for the bell on the bedside table. In no time, she heard the doctors and nurses hurry to her room. Anna had tried her best to stay awake. But the pain was so unbearable that she blacked out the next second.

A while later, Anna woke up and heard the nurses saying, “They’re coming! The babies are coming out!”

“We have a healthy boy and a healthy girl!”

Anna huffed and puffed and heard the baby crying. She struggled to open her eyes to see her children but the nurse had already taken the baby boy away. Meanwhile, another nurse took the baby girl to Anna and whispered to her, “Your daughter is safe with me. I’ll take care of her for you for a while. After you leave this place, I’ll take her to you.”

Nodding, Anna said to the nurse gratefully, “Thank you so much!”

A few minutes later, the butler arrived happily. Anna was still in pain when she asked, “Where is my baby?”

“He is with young master. It’s a healthy boy. Ms. Gabriel, please remember, from now on, you’ll have nothing to do with the child,” The butler said and placed an envelope on the table, “Here’s a check for four million dollars. Thanks for everything.” After that, the butler turned to leave.

“No. Stop! Please let me see my child…” Anna panicked and struggled to get out of bed. I really want to see my baby boy! He’s my child! How is it possible that I don’t love him?! But that man, he definitely won’t let me see my son. I’m just a stranger to him. He surely won’t care about how I feel. I just wanna see my son before he’s taken away; even if just taking a glance at him.

However, Anna was too weak and collapsed on the ground immediately. Her abdomen throbbed frequently, causing her to squeak in pain. As she saw him walking away, Anna said in a pleading tone, “I beg you! Please let me see my baby…”

Yet, the butler ignored her and walked away with the baby boy. At the thought that she would never see her son again, Anna felt that her heart was broken into millions of pieces. But she pulled herself together when thinking of her daughter. She had to stay strong for her daughter.

Slowly, Anna closed her eyes in pain. As she was so weak, she fainted on the ground...

***

Five years later at the Southside City airport.

A young man walked out of the crowd. He looked conspicuous in a black shirt and business suit. He also wore a pair of sunglasses and looked like the ‘Men in Black’.

As soon as he walked out of the luggage pick-up area, his assistant, Gabe Lesley, rushed forward to carry his suitcase and said, “Mr. Wright, little master has not eaten for a day. Shall we head to the mansion first?”

“Why didn’t you tell me earlier?” He glared at the assistant.

Everyone in the Wright family knew how precious little master was to Mr. Wright. And Mr. Wright was always gentle and affectionate towards his boy.

Gabe felt guilty but braced himself up as he replied, “You went to Chicago to sign the important business contract. I was worried that I’d distract you so I did not call you and tell you about it. I didn’t expect little master to refuse to eat for a day…”

Wayne stopped suddenly, took off his sunglasses, and then glared at the assistant.

Seeing Wayne’s eyes, which were dark yet burning with fire, Gabe’s knees went wobbly. He could tell that Wayne was definitely angry…Oh, god... Are you going to fire me? Thinking of that, Gabe shuddered.

“So, now you’re making the decisions for me?” Wayne asked coldly.

“I’m, I’m sorry…” Gabe looked down and was prepared for the worse.

At this moment, a small chocolate rolled next to Wayne’s shoes. Wayne looked at the chocolate and frowned. He bent down to pick up the chocolate.

“Sir, that’s my chocolate!” A little girl ran over. The little girl was around four to five years old. As she ran too fast, she accidentally bumped into Wayne. Even when Wayne squatted down, she had to look up at him.

Wayne was astonished by her cuteness and stared at her. And his heart skipped a beat as he met her big and round eyes. Surprised, he thought to himself. How strange! It’s the first time I’ve met the little girl. But why do I have the feeling that we have met each other before?

Tammy Gabriel tilted her head and extended her hand towards Wayne, “Sir, if you like eating chocolate, you can buy your own chocolate. I only have three. I don’t have spare ones to share with you.”

Hearing her cute words, Wayne’s cold face softened a little. “Do you like this brand of chocolate?” Wayne handed her the chocolate and asked.

Meanwhile, Gabe was surprised by the scene. Apart from little master, Mr. Wright does not like any other children. Why does he squat down to speak with this little girl so tenderly as if he is talking to his son?

Tammy nodded and smiled, revealing her cute bunny teeth as she asked, “Do you also like this brand of chocolate, sir?”

“I don’t like it but my son loves it,” Wayne said and took out a box of the same chocolate from his bag.

“Who are you? Why did you take the VIP elevator?” Someone in the elevator asked in astonishment.

“I’m sorry. I’m here for an interview and I’m in a hurry.” Anna tried to stand upright but her curly long hair got caught by his zip. The minute she felt the pain in her scalp, she knelt down. And she happened to bury her head between the man’s thighs.

As if she was electrocuted, Anna apologized, “I’m sorry, I didn’t do it on purpose.”

Suddenly, the elevator fell into silence. And everyone else was holding their breath nervously.

“Ha…” Several of them finally couldn’t help chuckling a few minutes later. But they shut up when they saw the CEO’s stern expression.

Meanwhile, Wayne tensed up and frowned as he had never experienced something so absurd.

“I’m sorry, really… Can you give me a hand?” Anna tried desperately to untangle her hair. However, the moment she moved, her hair entangled with Wayne’s zip more tightly. Anna was panicked so much that her palms began sweating.

Somehow, she gave Wayne an intense feeling of familiarity. But Wayne couldn’t recall when and where they had met before. As Anna’s hands were wandering over his body, Wayne was gradually turned on. Feeling her hot breath on his private parts, Wayne felt that he was about to have a hard-on.

The hell?! I don’t wanna have a hard-on in front of my subordinates! Damn it! With that in mind, Wayne pressed Anna’s head, stopping her from moving. With a deep breath, he lowered his head and began untangling her hair carefully.

“Don’t move, just relax.” He said softly.

His voice is so familiar! I think I’ve heard it before! Anna was stunned. Suddenly, she recalled the night at that hotel five years ago. Although she could not see that man’s face clearly, she saw his thin lips. He told her to relax but then thrust hard in and out of her.

The erotic scenes in which they had s*x flooded her mind, which made Anna blush. Gosh! What is wrong with me?! Why did I suddenly think of the night five years ago?

“You can get up now,” Wayne said to Anna coldly after freeing himself from her hair.

After standing up, Anna said to Wayne with sincerity, “Thank You!” Yet, Wayne didn’t seem to be interested in continuing talking with her. And then, Anna started looking up and down at Wayne.

Wearing a well-tailored business suit, Wayne looked tall and handsome. Yet, he looked so cold and aloof. As he was so tall, Anna had to look up so that she could see his face clearly.

“Miss,” Gabe quickly reacted and said, “So, you were in a hurry to flirt with Mr. Wright, right?”

Hearing that, Anna was dumbfounded. At the same time, Wayne was looking down at her.

Over the years, there were countless women who tried their best to attract and even seduce him. However, after that incident five years ago, Wayne was not interested in any other woman. During the past five years, the only woman that he had slept with was his son’s birth mother.

When Wayne realized that Anna was obviously trying to get his attention, he became very frosty. He was upset that she almost fooled him. And at the thought that Anna nearly made him have a hard-on in front of others, his eyes were filled with contempt and disgust.

Annoyed, Anna defended herself as she sensed the disgust in Wayne’s sharp eyes, “I told you I was in a hurry. Why are you staring at me like that?” I can’t believe I just thanked you for helping me untangle my hair from the bottom of my heart! And Anna complained to herself.

“Gabe, press the button,” Wayne said sternly and ignored Anna.

Gabe pressed the button of the next floor and said to Anna when the door opened, “Miss, please exit the elevator. Please stop using this trick to get close to Mr. Wright again. Mr. Wright’s way out of your league.”

“Oh please, I really didn’t…” Anna tried to explain but Gabe insisted that she step out.

Anna gritted her teeth, glared at Wayne, and mumbled as she left, “Who does he think he is? Why the hell does he think that I would ‘flirt’ with him? What a cheap gigolo!”

Gabe was shocked by what she said. He thought, How dare you! How dare you call our boss a gigolo?!

Wayne, who was standing beside Gabe, was furious and fumed. Apparently, he heard what Anna said about him.

He could not help thinking about what Anna said. Somehow, he felt curious about her. She used her hair to entangle my button and then called me a cheap gigolo? Interesting! I would love to see how she would react when she sees me in the interview!

At the thought, Wayne narrowed his eyes. Then he turned to Gabe and ordered, “Call Kenneth and tell him that I’ll attend the interview at 10 o’clock.”

“Yes, Mr. Wright.”

***

Minutes later, Anna arrived at the waiting room and was nervous and surprised to see so many fellow job seekers. As she was waiting, she heard someone saying, “Hey, do you know that Mr. Wright, the CEO of the Carousel Group will be attending the interview today? Normally, he wouldn’t care to take part in interviews like this. But this time, he will interview us in person. Gosh! I’m about to meet him in person! I’m so excited!”

“Yeah! Me, too. I wonder if he’s as handsome as others told me.”

“Wow, really? I heard that Mr. Wright has a son but he is single. He is so handsome. Could he be looking for a mother for his son in the interview?”

“But I heard that he might have trouble in bed… Otherwise, how come he has never had a steady girlfriend? Perhaps they despised his inability to…”

“So, what? I still want to marry him even if he has ED! After all, he’s so damn rich!”

Anna rolled her eyes when she heard them gossiping. She thought, A typical boss would be around his mid-thirties and with a beer belly. Would someone so wealthy use an interview to find a stepmom for his child? Perhaps he is looking for a mistress! At the thought, Anna began to think poorly of her potential boss.

“Anna Gabriel!”

“Coming!” Anna walked out of the crowd when her name was called. She took a deep breath before opening the door.

There were five interviewers in the panel. Anna was shocked to see that the man sitting in the middle turned out to be the “gigolo” she met earlier in the elevator.

Isn’t… isn’t that the man I met earlier in the elevator? It seems that this man is the superior of other interviewers. Is he the manager, General Manager, or… s**t! Did he hear that I called him a gigolo when we were in the elevator? What should I do? Anna panicked.

Seemingly having noticed her anxiety, Wayne looked at Anna, and asked, “Did you graduate from Wharton School?”

“Not...not really. I'm a dropout.” Anna stammered.

Anna claimed that she had graduated from Wharton School in her resume so that she could make it to the interview stage. She really needed the job.

The other interviewer was surprised, “You mean that your resume is fake?” And he quickly apologized to Wayne, “Mr. Wright, I’m sorry, our background checks…”

Wayne gestured for him to keep quiet. He then asked Anna sternly, “So, you are trying to get a job based solely on your experiences working in Hotel Milan in Germany? Have you seen the job requirements?” And Wayne thought, I knew you were up to no good. You’re not here for the job. You’re here because you want to throw yourself at me. Anna Gabriel, you’re so disappointing.

He tossed her resume and saw through her lies. Then, with a darkened face, Wayne shouted, “Get out!”

Feeling upset, Anna picked up her resume and left. She then heard Wayne say, “Don’t try your schemes here. No company would want a liar like you!”

Anna stopped her pace. She was pissed, thinking, I have never met anyone as arrogant and cocky as he is! She then turned around and walked towards Wayne and slammed her resume on the table. The commotion caused all the interviewers to look at her in surprise.

How dare she do that in front of Mr. Wright? Is she looking for death? The interviewers thought to themselves in surprise.

Looking up at Anna, Wayne asked, “What do you wan“I didn’t fake my resume. I dropped out of school because of some personal matters. And I don’t think you should judge my ability simply by my degree. Since you think that only a degree can prove a person’s abilities, then let’s have a bet.” Anna smiled and challenged him, “What do you think?”

Wayne was rather calm. Sitting next to Wayne, Karl Xavier was bored by the interviews and his eyes immediately lit up when he heard what Anna said. He couldn’t help thinking, Wow, this is the first time that someone dared to bet with Wayne with such a challenging attitude. You’re really something, Anna Gabriel.

“Girl, what do you want to bet?” Karl asked curiously.

Wayne immediately glared at Karl, seemingly dissatisfied about his interrupting.

Anna took a deep breath, looked directly at Wayne, and said, “I’ll work at a hotel under the Carousel Group for three months and I guarantee a monthly profit of at least thirty percent. If I achieve this, then I want to be confirmed at the position. Moreover, my salary has to be tripled and I want…” She paused and then emphasized the words, “An Apology!”

Hearing that, all of them gasped. They all wondered, She has only worked at Hotel Milan for a year and she only created a profit margin of about 10 percent. What makes her dare to guarantee a profit margin of more than thirty percent?

Wayne pushed the resume aside, crossed his arms, and asked, “What if you fail to do it?”

Anna smiled radiantly, “Then I’ll work for the Carousel Group for free for three years. I’ll do anything you say. Do you accept this bet?”

“Accept it! Accept it!” Karl instigated, “Wayne, don’t chicken out!” Yet, after Wayne shot a glare at him, Karl immediately shut up and pursed his lips.

“Go back and wait for further instructions,” Wayne said and left.

He paused as he walked past Anna. He noticed her delicate features and her alluring fragrance which started to arouse him. He seemed to be intrigued by this woman. Then Wayne said to himself, You’re quite intriguing, Anna Gabriel. At least you’re more interesting than the women who tried to throw themselves at me at all costs.

“I accept this bet.” With that, Wayne then walked away briskly.

Karl ran after Wayne and winked as he said to Anna, “Girl, you’re something. I really hope that you win this bet!”

…

It was already lunchtime when Anna went home. She went to Tammy’s kindergarten to pick her up before going home.

“Mommy, you’re finally back!” Tammy hugged Anna and said, “I made some new friends at school and played some interesting games!”

“Wow! Really? Good for you, sweetie,” Anna kissed her cheek.

After Anna finished cooking, they had a hearty meal.

Back then, Anna was afraid that the man would find out about Tammy’s existence. Thus, Anna quickly snuck out of the country with her daughter not long after she was born. She even broke her ties with the Gabriel family to protect Tammy. It was very tough for Anna to raise a child on her own while she was living overseas. But all her hardships were worth it when she saw Tammy smile.

Tammy was very intelligent and could converse very well. At three years old, she could dress herself and brush her teeth. Soon after, she was able to help Anna do some housework and even take care of herself.t?”When they finished their lunch, Tammy suddenly said to Anna, “Mommy, you should divorce dad.”

Anna was amused and chuckled, “Why did you say that?”

“Because I don’t think daddy loves mommy. And I don’t think mommy loves daddy,” Tammy continued, “Other daddies kiss their children every day but my daddy visits us only once or twice a year. Each time, he just says a few words and then leaves. He doesn’t even hug you. He doesn’t love me. I don’t want this daddy anymore.”

Anna’s heart sank. She did not dare to tell Tammy the truth for fear that it would come as a terrible blow to her. So, Anna asked someone to help her out and pretend to be Tammy’s father. And she did not expect Tammy to be so sensitive and considerate.

Tammy added, “Mommy, don’t worry. I won’t be upset by a divorce. Why don’t you look for another man? As long as he loves me, I’ll also be able to accept him! If he has children, I’ll get along with them.”

“Silly girl.” Anna’s eyes turned red on hearing that, “Mommy doesn’t need anyone other than you.”

“But I want a brother.” Tammy smiled, “I want mommy and daddy to pamper me and an elder brother to take care of me.”

Patting her head, Anna remained silent. Suddenly, she thought of her son who was taken away from her. My son, how are you doing? Well, you should be living a good life. After all, your dad is a rich man. Gosh... How I wish I could see you again. I want to hug you and tell you I love you. And I want you to know I didn’t abandon you. I want to be with you, but I can’t.

When Tammy saw Anna so sad, she swore in her heart that she would look for a considerate and caring man for her mother.That night, Anna received an e-mail from the HR department of the Carousel Group which informed her to start working at Hotel Carousel the next Monday. She was tidying up the apartment when she saw Tammy busy playing with the iPad.

“What are you playing, honey?” Anna asked.

Tammy quickly hugged the iPad, “I’m not telling you. It’s my secret!”

“Okay, fine. I won’t look at it.”

Tammy continued to fill in the information after Anna walked away. It turned out that Tammy was registering for Anna on a dating website. Tammy was satisfied with some of the men she saw on the website. However, she really liked the man she met at the airport. He was definitely suitable for her mother. But she could not find him on this website.

***

The day that Anna reported to work was the tenth anniversary of Hotel Carousel, which was why she was very busy throughout the day.

Just as she was busy with arranging the staff to work in the hall, she heard someone calling, “Anna?”

Anna was startled by the familiar yet somehow strange voice. As she turned around, Anna saw a young couple. The man was handsome and looked unsettled. And the woman clung to his arm tightly.

Even though it had already been five years, Anna still felt hurt when seeing her ex-boyfriend walking hand in hand with her ex-bestie. At the thought that her ex-boyfriend cheated on her with her ex-bestie, Anna felt so disgusted. And at the thought that they were the main reason why she drowned her sorrow at a bar and ended up being a surrogate for a mysterious man and being forced to drop out of school, Anna wanted to beat the hell out of them two.

But Anna reasoned that she couldn’t do so because she was working for the Carousel Group now. Clenching her fists, she managed to control her temper and put on a fake smile, “It’s been a long time.”

Harry looked at Anna with mixed emotions in his eyes. He wanted to say something to her, but eventually, he did not utter a single word.Lilian Hart held Harry’s arm more tightly and said to Anna, “Why didn’t you tell us you’re back?”

“I don’t think it’s necessary,” Anna replied.

“I heard that you went overseas and broke all ties with the Gabriel family.” Lilian appeared concerned but had evil intentions, “You should go back home and reunite with your family.”

Noticing that Anna was uncomfortable, Harry said to Lilian, “Let’s go, Lilian.”

“What’s the hurry? We haven’t seen each other in years. I want to have a good chat with Anna,” Lilian said as she forced Anna into the elevator.

When the door of the elevator opened, Lilian dragged Anna inside. At the same time, someone in a business suit brushed past Anna and she felt that she had met him before.

Before Anna managed to look up to see who he was, Lilian was already ahead of her and asked, “Anna, will you come?”

“What?” Anna asked as she switched her gaze back to Lilian.

“Will you come to our engagement party?” Lilian said while showing Anna the diamond ring on her finger. With her eyes lit up and the corner of her lips tilting upwards, Lilian looked smug and condescending. Then she added, “It’s on the eighteenth of next month. I hope that you can attend the party.”

The familiar and expensive ring stung Anna’s eyes. She once visited the jeweler with Harry and pointed to a ring, saying that it would be the designated engagement ring for them. Little did she expect that the ring would end up on her ex-best friend’s finger.

“I just started working at this hotel and I don’t have the time for it.” Anna looked away from the ring.

“But Anna, you have to come!” Lilian held Anna’s hand and then said, “I’ve always hoped that someday you will be my bridesmaid.”

Hearing that, Anna was speechless. She thought to herself, So, you mean that you have had the intention of stealing Harry from me for a long time?

Lilian continued, “I know you might be embarrassed about coming to my party without a partner. But it’s okay. I can introduce my friends to you.”

“I do have a boyfriend. I just don’t have the time for it.” Anna pushed away Lilian’s arm, “Besides, I don't think my ex-boyfriend, aka your fiance, wants me to go.”

Hearing that, Harry’s face darkened. Lilian paused and then held Anna’s hand, saying,“Anna, why don’t you introduce your boyfriend to us? I’d like to thank him for taking such good care of you.”

“Don’t bother. He’s very busy.”

Later, the pulling and shoving between Anna and Lilian threw Anna off balance, forcing her to fall. Meanwhile, Lilian just stood there, not intending to help her at all.

A few seconds later, Anna fell on someone’s firm chest, which hurt her immensely.

“Ha!”

Hearing that, Anna found that the chuckle sounded familiar.Straightening her back and looking up, Anna met Wayne’s cold gaze. Then she turned her head to the side and complained secretly, What the heck?! How the hell did I bump into Wayne twice in the elevator? s**t! He must be thinking that I’m a shameless woman who would do anything to throw herself at him. But I’m not!

Then Lilian asked, “Anna, are you alright?”

Instead of answering her, Anna clenched her fists tightly. She thought, Do you enjoy the show, Lillian? You’ve been very sarcastic to me since we entered the elevator. No, I won’t give in to you so easily. You stole Harry from me! I must find a way to fight back. Speaking of boyfriend... I could let Wayne pretend to.