Amelia’s POV
The atmosphere became tensed as I awaited his response, hoping against hope that he actually does like me and haven’t been playing with me all this while. But as his expression shifted, a wave of disappointment washed over me.
Kai's gaze hardened, his demeanor becoming distant as he took his hands off me and backed off, creating a space between us. "Amelia," he began, his voice distant, "did you read the contract agreements before signing?"
His question pierced through me like a dagger, leaving me reeling from the sting of disappointment. I read each pages of the contract, and i knew what he was trying to communicate. This was solely a relationship built on sexual pleasures, no romantic feelings attached. We both aren’t allowed to develop feelings for each other, so, he most definitely does not like me
"it’s already getting cold," he continued as he turned away and climbed up the pool steps, leaving me in the pool.
“we have an important event to attend tomorrow. You should go to bed early so you don’t miss it. Good night” he said as he placed a towel at the edge of the pool for me before heading out of the rooftop
I watched as kai left, completely ignoring my question.
Weirdo. Was it so difficult to just say he doesn’t like me?
The Next Day
Kai’s POV
I stared at the wall clock silently, It was already 8:45am and i had barely gotten any sleep. My encounter with Amelia on the rooftop last night got me thinking. Lately, i had let my guards down so many times whenever I’m with her. i must have unintentionally left clues that i like her, which is why she confused.
This is my fault, to even think i almost asked her out few days ago bothers me. what the fuck was i thinking? Why would i be so selfish to want to waste her time with me?
“Mr. Alessandro, would you like me to repeat the question?” the doctor’s voice broke into my thoughts, bringing me back to reality. I stared back at the doctor who was sitting across from me with a small notebook on his hand.
 “i find her attractive, and i do like her, which is why i don’t want her to waste her time with me” I finally replied after a long silence
Doctor Edward raised an eye brow in amusement as he stared at me, failing miserably at his attempt to hide his shock. He probably did not expect that level of admittance from me.
“why do you think she’ll be wasting her time with you?” he finally asked
I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, struggling to put my feelings into words. "Because... I'm not good enough for her. i ruin everything i get my hands on, and I don't want her to be the next casualty. " I admitted again. “And considering my current situation, i think i’d rather keep things casual than drag her down with me."
Doctor Edward paused for a while, as though trying to make sense out of what i had just said, “i see” he finally answered, his fingers grazing through his grey beards, “but have you ever thought of telling her about your…….
“no” i interrupted immediately with a dismissive tone before he could even finish speaking
“why?” he asked
"i don’t know how she’ll react to it," I replied bluntly,
“You can't predict how she'll react," he said gently. "Keeping this from her only denies her the chance to make her own decision."
I sighed, running a hand through my hair in frustration. Is this even helping at all? The more we talk about this, the more i realize how fucked up my life is. Glancing down at my watch, I realized that it was already 9:00 am.
“i’ll end the session now” i said, my voice leaving no room for objection. Doctor Edward looked hesitant at first, but he finally nodded. After he left, i headed straight for the shower, i can’t afford to miss today’s event, not because it’s that important, but because i’ve got work to do there, and this is my only opportunity to gain access into mariano’s estate legally. The first attempt was messed up, hopefully amelia doesn’t blow this one up again. Since it is mariano’s big day, he’ll probably be too busy attending to guest to even check his security system, and with me present, i’m pretty sure todays mission is going to be a success. After about an hour getting ready, i was finally done and headed straight for the parking lot. Getting into the car, i was met with carlos and amelia who seemed to be having an interesting discussion but stopped as soon as i got in. i and amelia exchanged a quick awkward glance that lasted for a second before she quickly looks away.
“to mariano’s estate” i said while carlos turned on the engine and drove off. The drive to mariono’s estate was only 25 minutes but felt like 2 hours because of how awkward it was. Upon arriving at the estate, amelia highlighted from the car first, it was obvious she also couldn’t wait to escape the awkward situation.
“keep an eye on her, don’t let her out of your sight” i muttered quietly while Carlos nodded in agreement. This isn’t just any mafia event, it is mariano’s inauguration party, and mariano’s events are more of a criminal’s hang out than the literal purpose of the event. There are dangerous men and human traffickers lurking around, looking for their next victim. I would’ve preferred she stick around with me for the sake of her safety, but with the current rumour about us going around in the internet, it’ll only be wise if we keep our distance. Getting into the hall, i was met with Natasha who was sitting with her husband Gerald. Natasha isn’t the type to attend stupid mafia events like this, but her stupid husband probably forced her to be here because he and mariano are ally.
“kai, i didn’t expect to see you here!” Natasha beamed upon seeing me
“i didn’t expect to see you here either, but i guess this imbecile forced you to come with him” i said as my eyes landed on Gerald
“kai, don’t disrespect my husband” Natasha said, trying to hush me
Husband?
This lowlife would never have dreamt of coming close to my sister, but now they’re married, all because father forced her to get married to him because of some stupid family alliance, and Natasha agreed to it just to please the selfish old man who doesn’t deserve to be called her father.
“come sit with us” Natasha said taking my hand and leading me to their table. I gave Gerald a side glance before sitting beside Natasha. I hate this man with all passion, and i honestly wish i can just put a bullet through his fucking head. I just cannot wait for them to get a divorce. Looking around the hall, my eyes was met with another annoying sight, Carlos holding hands with Amelia while they talked away like couples in love. i wasn’t even sure if i have the right to be mad about her talking to other men after what happened yesterday, maybe if i had just admitted to liking her, then she probably wouldn’t be holding hands with that idiot….. or would’ve told me i wasn’t good enough for her and would just make me look stupid. I seemed to have been making it too obvious that i was staring at her, so Natasha tapped me on the shoulder.
“you shouldn’t have brought her here with you if you would be so worried about her” Natasha whispered, her voice snapping me back to reality.
I didn’t respond, my eyes remained fixed on amelia. Everything was going well until Anastacia came into the picture. Anastacia walked up to amelia with a mischievous smile on her face.
Why the hell is this witch everywhere?
She had a small talk with Amelia and carlos before sitting beside her. carlos got up and walked away as soon as Anastacia sat beside amelia. That bastard was supposed to be sitting beside her and keeping an eye on her, where the fuck was he going to? I picked up my phone immediately to text carlos.
“why did you leave? You’re supposed to be with her” i typed quickly, my patience running thin as i did
“Miss. Anastacia asked me to leave, saying she wanted some privacy with amelia” came his reply almost immediately. i watched them talk silently, adrenaline coursing through my vein as i did. whatever the conversation was about, amelia didn’t look like she was comfortable talking to Anastacia. It would be really unreasonable to walk up to them given the current situation. I needed to find a way to separate this two before she gets Amelia in trouble again.
“you can start the operation now, ask Amelia to come join you after you check the lobby and ensuring it’s safe” i texted and sent to carlos
“yes boss” came his immediate response.
Amelia’s POV
i and carlos were seated talking as we waited for kai’s directive. I couldn’t wait to get over with today’s mission and head back to the mansion. I wish i could take an uber back home because i don’t think i can bear riding with kai back to the mansion again. This morning’s awkward ride almost killed me, maybe i shouldn’t have asked him if he liked me, he obviously doesn’t. I was still sitting with carlos when Anastacia walked up to me with a fake smile.
“hey amelia, i hope i got your name correctly” she said with a chuckle
“hi” i replied with a bored tone, i wasn’t in the mood to go back and forth with her again, not today.
“c’mon! i know i haven’t been nice to you the few times we met, but i promise, i am not always like that” she said as she sat next to me
“i never said you could sit with me” i said as soon as she sat next to me
“well, i never said i needed your permission to sit wherever i want” she said with a smirk while i rolled my eyes in disgust.
Her eyes moved to carlos who was sitting quietly, pretending not to hear us argue.
“do you mind giving us a little privacy? I’d like to have a girl talk with Amelia, if you don’t mind” she said with a smile while Carlos gave me a quick glance before hesitantly walking away. I really wanted to ask him not to go, but i couldn’t, i heard Anastacia’s family was one of the top mafia group in the states, so she always gets her way. I wouldn’t want to get Carlos in trouble because of me.
“what do you want?” i asked as soon as carlos left
“I just wanted us to have a talk since we didn’t get to talk the last time we met at kai’s office, hopefully, we can become friends” she said, it was already obvious that she was trying really hard to get on my nerves, and i wasn’t going to give her the satisfaction of knowing that her attempt was successful.
“That? it’s fine. I and kai had a talk after you left and he explained that nothing serious happened. Besides, i trust him” i said with a forced smile while i watched her smile flatter
“really?” she muttered forcing another smile “well, i guess there’ll be no need for me to explain myself then”
Anastacia picked up the bottle of wine on the table, pouring some for herself and me.
“You know….. i had no idea that kai was into women like you. we’ve been friends for a really long time and i know kai would not just date anyone” she said handing one of the glasses to me
“well, what can i say. People do change, you know?” i said taking a slow sip. Immediately, a text came in, it was carlos, asking me to come meet him. Just about time, i was really desperate to escape this crazy bitch. Anastacia was about saying something else when i interrupted her.
“excuse me, i have to use the washroom, i’ll be right back” i said picking up my phone and walking away before she even gets the chance to say shit. I intentionally left my bag on the table, not wanting to seem suspicious.
Carlos and I quickly made our way to the conference room after disabling the cctv camera. The room was empty as expected, i was able to disable all the security system in the room without triggering the alarm system, after which i proceeded to hacking all the security cameras. The minutes ticked by in tense silence as i worked anxiously, my eyes fixed on the screens before me. Adrenaline coursed through my veins, my heart pounding in my chest as I focused all my concentration on the task at hand, if anything goes wrong, it’ll be my fault because Carlos is just here to keep watch in case anyone is passing by and assist me. And i couldn’t bear to make anyone lose their life again because of my mistake.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, a soft chime signalled our success.
“done!” i whispered closing the laptop
“that was quick, I guess that’s why kai saw you as a valuable asset” carlos said with a wink while i rolled my eyes
“whatever. can you help me get out of here before i get caught?”
“yes ma’am” carlos answered playfully as he helped me gather our equipment. In less than a minute, we made our way back through the bathroom ceiling, moving swiftly and silently to avoid detection. Carlos headed back into the event centre while i remained in the lady’s washroom fixing my hair which was a bit messy and reapplying my lip gloss. After i was done, i headed back into the event, fortunately, Anastasia was no longer there. Carlos had already informed kai of the success of our task, so, we proceeded to leaving. I picked up my bag from the table and followed kai and carlos who were ahead of me, not bothered about how suspicious we might look for leaving before the event could even end. I was almost at the door when the calm background music was suddenly interrupted, and a middle-aged man picked up the microphone, claiming to have an important announcement to make.
The middle-aged man who took hold of the microphone had a distinguished air about him, with greying temples and a neatly trimmed beard that lent him an aura of authority. As he cleared his throat, the murmuring in the hall gradually subsided, all eyes turning expectantly toward him. His gaze swept over the assembled guests as he prepared to deliver his announcement.
"Good evening, esteemed guests," he began, "I apologize for interrupting the occasion, but there are matters of great importance that require our immediate attention."
A hush fell over the room as anticipation hung in the air, the tension intense as everyone waited for him to continue.
"Ladies and gentlemen, it has come to our attention that there has been a significant incident," he announced, "One of our esteemed guests, Ms. Anastacia, has reported a theft. Her ring, a priceless and rare diamond worth over $50 million, has gone missing."
Gasps rippled through the crowd as the weight of the announcement settled over them, the news sending everyone in shock
"In light of this unfortunate event, I'm afraid we must take necessary precautions," the organizer continued, his expression serious. "For the safety and security of all our guests, we will be conducting thorough searches before anyone is permitted to leave the premises."
An uneasy murmur rose among the guests as they exchanged worried glances.
Anastacia, seated among the attendees, didn’t seem like she was even worried at all, she looked rather too relax for someone who’s jewellery worth millions just got stolen. Her eyes darted around the room, and when it landed on me, she gave me a small smile before looking away.
At this point, i’m convinced that this woman might actually be a psychopath. Because, who in his right state of mind would take such expensive jewellery with her to trivial occasions like this? And can she at least pretend to look sorry for searching everyone and indirectly suspecting everyone to be thieves? This is so humiliating. There’s a fine line between being influenced by wealth to do dumb shits and actually being an idiot, and this woman right here is definitely the biggest idiot i’ve ever met. The search began immediately. while i waited for my turn, i got a text from kai, i swiped my phone open and almost laughed aloud when i saw what the content was about.
“do you have her ring? Check your bag and give it to me now” i read quietly with a scoff. What does this man take me for? Does he think i would really steal from anyone? What even makes him so sure that i was the one who took the ring?
Yes, i know i might have stolen from him once, but i had no choice back then. But him indirectly labelling me a ‘thief’ was what i wouldn’t take.
“why don’t you search your pockets first? I’m pretty sure you need that $50 million-dollar ring more than i do” i texted back immediately
As the guards approached me, I handed over my bag, trying to maintain my composure despite the boiling anger bubbling beneath the surface after kai indirectly called me a thief. My foot tapped impatiently on the floor as I watched them meticulously search through my belongings, each second feeling like an eternity.
But my heart dropped to the pit of my stomach as one of the guards reached into my side pocket and pulled out a small, shiny object. "Found it," the guard announced, holding up the shiny pink ring for all to see.
The room fell silent as accusing gazes of the guests began burning into my skin like daggers. I looked across the room and my eyes fell on Anastacia who had a smirk on her face. At that moment, the pieces of the puzzle began to click into place, the realization dawning on me.
She had framed me. my eyes met with kai who had an unbothered look on his face.
Every instinct screamed at me to defend myself, but my lips felt too heavy, and my brain instantly went numb, betraying me when i needed it the most.
“i didn’t take…
I started, but before i could finish, Anastacia stormed up to me and slapped me across my face, making me lose my balance and fall
“you thief, i knew you were up to no good” she said as she grabbed my collar roughly. She leaned in, her lips almost touching my ears as she whispered, “got you! too bad your saviour wouldn’t be able to save you today”