Taken By The Arrogant Billionaire

It was Friday. Valerie was excited as she packed the stuff on the table, ready to get off work. She had just received a text message from Sandy, informing her that she would be arriving late. She wondered why Sandy kept late nights recently. They only saw each other in the morning, as she would already be asleep when she returned. She was determined to ask her next time she saw her.

Kathy had informed her that there was a gathering for the company employees who were interested in having fun after a stressful week. It was to be held at a karaoke bar nearby. According to Kathy, this was not the first time it was happening and she was a regular.

“Are you ready?” Kathy asked, as she applied a blood-red lipstick.

“Yes”

“Take this. Your face is too plain” she extended the lipstick towards her.

“Huh, I prefer going without makeup”

Kathy rolled her eyes.

“You don’t have to rub your beauty in my face” she stuffed the product into her hand and she had no choice but to use it.

Hers wasn’t as thick and smoky like Kathy’s.

Kathy hooked their arms and together, they left the building.

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

Jared was seated in the car, just about to head to the old mansion after being summoned by his grandfather, most likely because of Jane’s tattling. Will was with him in the car.

The line had just gotten disconnected when he saw Valerie and Kathy leaving the company.

“Why are they holding each other like that?” He said enviously, wishing it was him holding her hand. Will shook his head. He was now jealous of a lady.

“And why on earth is she wearing that?” his brows furrowed deeply as soon as he saw her lips. She definitely hadn’t worn it when she arrived in the morning. Her friend had it on too. That would only mean one thing. They were going to a party. She looked seductive and would certainly attract the attention of the men there. His eyes narrowed dangerously, just thinking about it.

“Follow them” he instructed.

“But boss, your grandfather said…”

Jared sucked in a deep breath angrily.

“Just do it” he ordered.

The car slowly followed the two unsuspecting ladies as they drove towards the bar in a taxi.

“A KTV bar?” He said incredulously as he saw the inscription.

“Are we following them?” Will asked, secretly hoping he would say no. He had no idea that one day, he would be stalking women!

“Let’s wait a little” A small sigh escaped Will’s lips.

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

Valerie had never been to such a place before, so everything felt new to her. But as the fun continued, she started to feel less out of place. They were about twelve in the KTV lounge and were mostly young unmarried girls who had no husband and kids to return to. Soon, she got swept away by the mood and began to drink glasses after glasses of beer, screaming along with the other people. Soon, she began to feel a bit tipsy.

“Why don’t you sing?” A skinny lady beside Valerie said. “We have all sang, so why don’t you? Also, you are the newest among us”

The others nodded. Valerie shook her head.

“No” she shook her hands, “I would rather not sing”

“Why not? Come on. I’m sure your voice would be as beautiful as your appearance. “Go for it” Kathy cheered on.

“Okay. Fine”

She downed a full glass of beer, and walked towards the stage with wobbly legs. Everywhere was quite as they waited, looking forward to hearing her sing.

Jared arrived at the door, just in time to hear her agree to sing. He dropped his hand that was about to touch the knob.

He watched her through the transparent door.

“She’s drunk” he muttered, as he stared at her flushed face. He also wanted to hear her sing.Property © of NôvelDrama.Org.

Valerie picked a song and held the microphone to her mouth, ready to sing.

“Whoa-oh, whoa-oh. Oh oh oh! Babyyyy!”

The smile of anticipation was immediately wiped off everyone’s faces as soon as they heard the harrowing voice. They covered their ears. They had never heard someone sing so awfully. She was practically screaming the song!

“It’s just another love song!

Racking my brain like crazy”

She didn’t care that she was mixing the song up, imagined Ivan’s face, staring at her.

“Guess I’m all torn up

And be it fast or slow

It doesn’t let go”

It wasn’t so loud outside, as the room was soundproofed, but they could still hear her.

“Tsk tsk. Such a dreadful voice” Will commented, and it earned him a glare from his boss.

“Or shake-” The microphone was wrestled out of her hand as they dragged her back to her seat.

“What?” She slurred. “You asked me to sing so how…. how dare you” she continued drunkenly?

She was forced to sit down. Suddenly, the door burst and all the attention was diverted towards it.

Everybody’s eyes were as wide as saucers when they saw him. What was he doing here? Everywhere was dead silent.

Jared sat down regally, beside Valerie.

“Eh? It’s… it’s the boss” she hiccuped. “What…” Another hiccup. “What are you doing here?”

Jared only stared at her red face. She was staring at him intensely.

“Woah!” She muttered. “So handsome” Jared raised a brow. She raised her hands to touch his skin.

“I’m so jealous. So smooth and flawless”

Audible gasps filled the room. This lady was really seeking death. The last secretary didn’t even get to touch Jared before she got fired.

Valerie went on to trace his eyebrows.

“So shapely” she muttered, dreamily.

“Erm” One of them cleared his throat. “May I ask why you are here, boss”

“Am I not supposed to be here?” He asked coldly.

The guy quickly shook his head.

“No no. Of course not, I….” He didn’t know what to say next. Valerie was still busy admiring him.

“Valerie, how about I take you home?” Kathy asked. She didn’t want her friend to lose her job.

“No” she pouted. “I want you to take me home” she pointed at his chest. At that moment, Kathy felt like awakening her with a slap. She tried to bring her to her side, but Valerie resisted, hugging Jared closely.

Thee others gasped again in shock, as they silently prayed for their colleague. Jared froze when she embraced him. He body felt so soft and supple, that he felt like squeezing them. Especially a particular place in her chest that rested on his side.

“Take me home, please” she pouted. “Hm? Will you?” Jared smiled at her cuteness. Everyone saw that smile and mistook it for the calm before the storm. They pitied her even further.

“Of course. I will take you home” he replied. Everyone was rendered speechless. Even Will. How could he agree before the employees? That was going to open the floodgate of gossip, though they knew better than to let word get out.

“Did I hear wrong?” The lady beside Valerie whispered to her friend.

“No, you didn’t” she replied with a dumbstruck expression.

Valerie smiled when she heard his reply and rested her weight on him, asleep.

He carried her princess style. She was practically weightless.

Everybody was shocked beyond measure, and it was as silent as the grave when Jared left.

A scream snapped all of them out of it.

“What the hell just happened? Boss and his secretary? OMG!”

“I can’t believe this. I’m dreaming, right? Someone wake me up”

Those were the words that filled the air.

Meanwhile, Jared settled Valerie in the car. He demanded her address and Will got to work. He told the chauffeur their destination, and they immediately drove off.

Her brows furrowed in her sleep and she squirmed uncomfortably.

She searched with her hand for anything that could be used as support and came across Jared’s arm. She leaned in it, sniffing his scent.

The chauffeur was startled. His boss was even smiling! A glare from Will had him focusing on the road.

Will knocked on the door. Jared had Valerie in his arms. After two more knocks, the door was finally opened by Sandy.

“Mr Smith!” She exclaimed, surprised. “What are you-” then she saw the person sleeping in his arms.

“Oh my! Is she drunk?” Will nodded.

“Please come in” They entered, but only Jared went to Valerie’s room. Will waited. Layla opened her door in time to see a man enter Valerie’s room. She pulled Sandy aside and inquired.

“Val’s boss. She’s drunk and he brought her home”. Layla was horrified and immediately tiptoed to her room, trying not to look suspicious.

She paced back and forth in her room, wondering why a boss would bring his drunk employee home personally. We’re those two an item? She really hoped not, because if that was true, then it was over. He would definitely find out. She bit a her lips as she walked towards the mirror, shifted her dress to the side, as a horrendous looking scar came into view.