FALLING FOR THE MARRIED BILLIONAIRE.

WELCOME TO HEART.

Ethan's legs were crossed as he waited for his guests, he was already lost in his mind and thoughts. He was once again eager to flee where he was, to where he wanted to be. But he knew that it was penitent that he stays where he was, even though he would've wanted it some other way, HE HAD A JOB TO DO.

* * * * * * * * * * *

(LORI'S POV)

Lori knew she had to find some way to get her breathing under control, it seemed like she was a mixture of happy, worry, and fury, the three deadly compositions. Winning the competition and landing her dream job couldn't have gotten her happier, that was indeed all she'd ever wanted and seemingly all she thought about.

The feeling of worry and fury was caused by one person, Beth. Lori could not believe that the one time Beth decided to host a conversation with her, was to make her leave, she was disgusted. The pressure and hard work she clamored for seemed like a big joke now and it bothered her.

Was this Beth's way of getting back at her for everything that happened? to make a mockery of her and discredit her capabilities? Beth sure knew her more than everyone, and she knew where to get Lori triggered. Lori understood what Beth was doing, she was making her boundaries known and instilling fear in Lori.

Well, Lori was worried, so maybe that was a win for Beth, but she wasn't backing down. Instead, she was amped, she was fueled and she was ready for whatever this new experience had to offer.

She was going to let her excitement overshadow her other emotions and hopefully forget about any situation that may cause her discomfort. Johnny was nice enough to let her take a long breath before they both entered the office.

* * * * * * * * * * *

" Sir? " Johnny arched a brow as Ethan shook off his chair, he had dozed off and didn't hear them knock, " I sincerely apologize if we took so long to come. " Johnny cleared his throat, " We had a little situation we had to dissolve. "

Lori had her opening and she took it, " I'm Lori Hart, and it's a pleasure to be working here at Hearts. " Lori folded her arms below her stomach and bowed slowly.

Ethan arched a fixated gaze as she immediately began scrutinizing her, he hoped his stare wasn't known to his guests but he sure as hell was having a strong feeling oozing up his spine. He had finally met with 'the Lori Hart' and he was eager to know why she stir so much already, but there was another feeling involved.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

" Welcome, " Ethan wore the only thing he could do correctly at work without being told, he wore a charming smile, " Please have a seat. " He awkwardly glanced at his wristwatch and realize that he had fallen into sleep so soon.

" Thank you, sir... "

" Thank you, sir... "

Johnny and Lori chorused and took a seat.

" I heard that your dish was superb, now I couldn't have a taste, but I trust the good judgment of my brother. " Ethan began, " Johnny, it is my job to fix Lori here into a district, but I would like to be influenced by your decision. You know, since you were probably present at the competition. "

That was just Ethan's pathetic ploy to get Johnny's help. He knew that district fixing was an important task and he couldn't risk f*****g it up. He would once again do what he'd always done, stylishly make Johnny do his job for him.

Johnny smiled, " I'm honored, sir. " He turned over to Lori, " She was able to win the competition with a messed up ingredient. "

Ethan felt his heart skip a beat, " Messed up ingredient? " The puzzles inside his head slowly began fixing themselves.

" Yeah, " Johnny scoffed, " Everyone here and people watching knew of her surprisingly messed up a key ingredient, were you not present sir? "

Ethan immediately adjusted his tie and cleared his throat, " Yes, yes, I'm aware. "

Ethan was lying and saying the truth at the same time. He was in his cave at the time of the competition but he was fortunate to witness first-hand the reason for the messed up ingredient, hell, he knew the culprit. He gave Lori another concentrated stare, trying to figure out why Beth was so disturbed about her.

Yes, the woman was pretty. She had very healthy and full hair. Her face was both delicate and ferocious, he was almost attracted to her.

" I met you at the masquerade party! " Ethan s*****d the table hard as he concluded.

Lori was lost for words, for over a minute she stared into space, trying to make sense of the situation.

" Masquerade party... " Lori whispered.

" Yeah, yeah, remember? you accidentally shoved me by the arm. "

Lori squinted hard, it was obvious to everyone that she was trying to recall.

" I really can't place what our conversation was about... " Ethan laughed softly, " But we__

" I don't! "

It all came to Lori now, like a forceful flashback. Details of how that fateful night replayed itself to her and she couldn't believe it. She remembered the hot s****l experience she shared with a total stranger and she couldn't let that thought affect her now.

" I don't remember, I'm certain that you're mistaking me for someone else. " Lori nodded severally.

" Are you sure? " Ethan arched a brow and gently stroked his chin, " Well I was high as f**k that..." He cleared his throat as he realized that he was talking out of proportion, " Of course, you're right, I probably got you mistaken for someone else.

Lori heaved a sigh of relief.

Ethan pondered about what his final decision would be, Pierce had placed that responsibility on him and he couldn't afford to make a mess of things. Then there was the strange fact that Beth was against the woman seated in front of him, for some reason she refused to tell him. He did the end of the deal by covering up for her, Lori had to be an excellent cook if she could still win although Beth laced her key ingredient.

The only way he could checkmate things and find out the truth for himself was to place Lori and Beth in one space and watch the outcome. Beth's district was VIP, and Ethan had to be sure that he was making the right decision. He laced another keen look at Lori and briefly admired her. He saw how uncomfortable she became, and he drifted his gaze from her, he was certain that she was familiar.

Ethan rubbed his palms together, " She's new here, and I know that my decision may seem extravagant, but I'm considering the fact that you... " He turned over to Johnny, " That you believe in her capabilities, and of course, her performance at the competition. That was smart thinking. "

Lori held back her blush, but her pink cheeks gave her away.

Ethan was briefly captivated by her tender resolve, " I'm fixing her into the VIP district. "

Johnny's eyes shot open in shock and excitement, he gave Lori a satisfied nod, signaling her that it was a good sign.

" Specifically under your team, Johnny. " Ethan instructed.

" Of... of course, I'll show her around. " Johnny replied almost immediately.

Ethan nodded, " You do that. "

" Thank you so much, sir. " Lori's voice came out as rushed as she couldn't contain her joy.

" Welcome to heart culinary, dear. " Ethan wore a pleasant smile and his hands out to Lori for a handshake, she took his invitation wholeheartedly.

* * * * * * * * * * *

" Okay Johnny, I know you have something on your mind, spit it out. " Lori arched a brow as she noticed Johnny's unusual silence as they journeyed out of the building.

Johnny avoided her gaze, " Do you have any questions you would like to ask me? I'll be more than happy to answer them. "

Lori held in her laughter, Johnny in his serious mode amusing to watch.

" Stop trying to act tough. " She expected him to loosen up, but he still maintained his stoic stance, " Okay, okay, I have a few questions. "

" Let's hear them. "

Lori rolled her eyes, " Why is there a VIP unit__

" District, VIP district. " Johnny corrected.

" Whatever, it's the same thing. " Lori giggled.

" Would you please take this seriously? "

" Fine. " Lori winked, " Why is there a VIP DISTRICT? you said it was for the influential, rich, famous, and blah blah blah__

Johnny smirked.

" Here we go, I was beginning to miss that smile. " Lori pointed out.

" Before you go into freedom fighter mode Lori, let me straighten you out. " Johnny cleared his throat, " It's not about their status or their influence that caused the separation__

" Segregation you mean? " Lori pursed her lip.

" SEPARATION. " Johnny was precise.

" If you say so. " Lori replied in a melodic tone.

" It's a simple business strategy, treat them differently and they keep coming back. "

" So the middle-class aren't treated differently? or they don't just care about them. "

" No, no, " Johnny stroked his nose, " That's not what I mean. "

" By all means, enlighten me. " Lori came prepared.

"As I said, it's a business strategy. Most of our VIPs need special attention, we consider time management and vast culinary taste. Don't forget that their meal costs five times the normal price. " He winked at Lori, " Business strategy Lori, we need VIP customers, treat them differently and they keep coming back. "

Lori shook her head, " I see what you mean, but I think you're missing something here. "

" Lori don't, please don't do this now. "

" Fine. " Lori retired and they commenced movement.

" Hey, did something happen at the masquerade party that you're keeping all to yourself? " Johnny asked out of the blue.

Lori's heart skipped a beat, " What's that question about? "

" Just that you lied to Ethan earlier and I was wondering__

" Ethan... " Lori whispered, it was not a suprise that Johnny spotted her lie. " So that's his name? "

" Is there something you need to tell me? did you and Ethan__

" Ewww, shut up Johnny! " Lori shot at him, " It was just as he said it, nothing more, I swear. ''

'' Then why did you lie? '' Johnny wanted to know. ''

'' Reasons best known to me. '' Lori was going to use rigidness to change the topic.

Johnny gave a mid-smile as he sighed, " It's fine, no big deal. "

" It's a f*****g big deal because I'm not comfortable with it. "

" That's why I told you to wear the f*****g mask. " Johnny laughed.

" Go ahead, laugh at my pain. " Lori hissed.

They both laughed as Johnny escorted her to her car.

Johnny broke the silence, " Wow, your mom let you borrow her car... I wonder how proud she would be when you return. "

Lori smiled as her heart melted, " She's probably going to bake a celebration cake, you might be pulling in later tonight. "

" I can't wait. "

There was a brief silence as Johnny watched Lori enter her car.

Johnny broke the silence, " Beth__

" I know what you wanna say, not only do we work at the same company, we're both in the same district. "

" And? " Johnny wanted to hear more.

" And we need to avoid drama. "

" Lori, please... "Johnny's eyes met with hers, " You know how messy things can get. "

Lori thought about letting Johnny know about her recent conversation with Beth, and how she tried to make her leave. But she concluded that it would only add fuel to an already lit flame.

" Talk to Beth too, I'm not asking her to forgive or talk about things, just to pretend, only for eight hours a day. Do you think she can? "

" I'll talk to her. " Johnny pulled Lori's head over and pressed a kiss on her forehead, " You did well today. "

Lori wrapped his waists with both her hands and breathed deeply, " For a second there I thought I lost. "

" I'm proud of you, you should be proud of yourself. "

" I am. " She sniffed.

* * * * * * * * * *

(PIERCE'S POV)

Pierce wasn't sure why he appeared disturbed to see her hugging another man, it was already weird enough that he was watching her from his office. He remembered her, no doubt, but it was evident that she didn't. Some part of him was glad that she didn't remember, but the other part was disappointed.

He could have placed his worries to rest by firing her or placing her somewhere far from his reach, but he didn't. No, he just couldn't. The urge to want to watch and study her was overwhelming and that was what he did.

* * * * * * * * * *

After minutes of critically thinking about the events of her day, Lori finally started her car. Not only did she survive the competition, but she also met the pompous guy, whom she owed a 'kinda date'. She was grateful to be able to swing past that situation without being caught.

As she made her first move to drive out, a loud noise erupted from the back of her car, causing her to step out and investigate. She saw a brief, furious-looking, blonde-haired woman, with a young girl, around the age of 7-9, waiting for her.

Before Lori got the chance to begin an interaction, she received a slap across the face, courtesy of the woman.