Back With The Twins~Are You Ready To Apologize?

On a couch in an extravagant living room, a girl with flowing golden hair covered her face with a thick book and a laptop on her lap. Her slender yet wellmanicured fingers were moving in an irregular pattern.

She was busy typing furiously, all her attention on the screen before her. Her whole body oozes elegance and style for a nineteenyearold girl.

Her neck was covered in a thin rudded diamond necklace. Her wrist was holding a simple yet attractive watch and those luscious lips were squeezed into a pout as her focus was on what she was doing.

Tapping away on the laptop, she looked like a serious student studying for her upcoming exams but the reality was different.

"Damn it! Why can't I get past their walls? This is so damn frustrating! Haa! Just a little more, Jessy! You hate to lose!" The girl murmured to herself in determination.

A glance at her will draw you straight to those emerald green eyes that looked piercing yet strikingly alluring and those brows were so thick that it gives her the perfect look of a model.

She flipped her hair at random while burying herself in the laptop on her lap. She seems lost in whatever she was engrossed in.

"Jessy, get me the fried prawn from the kitchen," An elegant voice said, piercing into the musical tapping of the young girl.

Jessica Graves paused for a second before resuming her typing again. Why can't her mother just let her have her quiet time? She hates being disturbed. Besides, she can't stop now… just a few minutes and she was sure she would crack it.

"Mum, can't you tell Aunt Maya to do that for you? You know I am studying for my final exams," Jessica complained, still focused on what she was doing.

Jessica always wondered why her mother likes to prepare the meal all by herself despite being the wife of a multibillionaire. They have more than a hundred workers in the huge mansion each assigned to different significant and insignificant tasks, yet she doesn't allow any of them to prepare the meals for the family.

According to her, it makes her feel fulfilled as a mother and housewife to cater to her family!

Pffffft! Who does that these days? That's one old fashion way of thinking as a Harvard graduate! But Jessica was sensible enough not to say anything or else… she doesn't even want to think about it.

" Baby, five minutes won't make you fail. Besides, you don't look like you are studying. What are you doing?" Her mother said, ignoring her complaints. Mrs. Graves knew her daughter was not studying.

" Mum! Stop…"

Her mother chuckled before replying."Just get it for me already. And…drop that computer. We need to have our dinner"

" Mum, I am not…" Jessica tried to argue but her mother gave her a glare

She hated having meals when she was studying. Not that she was studying, nevertheless It distracts her! And right now her mother would never understand.

What she was doing was what brought her life! Ha! Only her father understands her.

"No excuses! Everyone is eating together today!" Her mother yells bringing her out of her thinking world.

Does that mean her father was back? Jessica pondered. Nah! Her mother was just saying that to make them join in the meal.

" Daddy is not back yet!" She said, confidently. She was still buried in the computer.

Then she said, silently tapping furiously." Just a little more and I will nail this bastard!"

Her father was not back yet because she had been sitting on the couch for more than four hours trying to crash that site!

Her father would only be back if he was invisible which was unlikely. He would always pounce on her each time he comes.

"Your daddy came back more than thirty minutes ago while you were busy digging in your laptop," her mother said, walking towards her.

Uh? Really? But wouldn't she have known? And her daddy would never pass her without her welcoming kiss!

" He even gave you your kiss! Seriously, Jessy, you need to stop losing focus as soon as you are with your laptop. I have told you several times…."

Oops! And there she goes again! Jessica rolled her eyes as she finally gave up before she would be drenched in her usual sermons.

"Okay, mum. I will go get the prawn and can you please stop lecturing me already?" Jessica quickly replied before running off to the kitchen.

"You little fox! Just get the prawn and set the table. Where are those little brats? Tristan! Kristen! Where are these children?" Mrs. Graves said, leaving the sitting room in search of Jessica's siblings.

Jessica sighs as her mother leaves in search of her troublesome twin siblings. Those brats were lovely as well as devilish.

Maybe it was because her mother had them a little late. They were just nine years old but they can turn the house into a warzone in less than five minutes!

Getting to the kitchen, Jessica collected the prawns. She brought them to the dining table and arranged it for five people.

Her mother always seems to know the right time to butt in everything she was trying to crash a site. She had a bet with Winston that she was going to crash The States Bank for five minutes within three days!

Today was the last day and she was just a few minutes away. But her mother would always be the stumbling block! She has to win the bet or Winston was going to collect a hundred dollars from her!

But if she can win, then she was going to have five hundred thousand dollars! Confused, right? The thing is Jessica had a bet with five boys in her college and each was willing to part with a hundred dollars if she can win.

But if she doesn't, she was going to part with one hundred dollars! The money wasn't a big deal but then she hates losing!

Grumbling as she sets the dining table, she wished her father would have come home earlier. She would have been able to escape from her mother's clutches.

Whenever those two are together, they are always loveydovey and rarely part. Her mother would have called her father to assist her in the kitchen and she would have just crashed that site already!

She hears light footsteps from behind her, and a deep masculine yet warming voice fills the quiet dining room.

Huh? It looks like her mother wasn't lying after all!

She turned to look at her father but a glimmer of anger flicked through her eyes the next second.

Jessica stared at the person beside her father. Wasn't that Uncle Lincoln, the head of her father's laboratory company? Why was he with her father?

She looked at her father and it looked like he was a little pale. Was something wrong? And why would this man come to their house?

She remembered her father having a heated argument with him some months back.

"Jessy, won't you say hi to your uncle?" Mr. Graves said to his stupefied daughter.

"Hi, Uncle Lincoln!" Jessica said, dryly. There was something odd about this man that Jessica doesn't like but his father seems to trust him so much.

"Jessy, you are growing into a fine woman. How are your studies? I heard from your father you would be graduating soon. Good luck! " Uncle Lincoln said, smiling.

Jessica simply forced a smile out before continuing what she was doing. Her mind was feeling uneasy but she can't tell what it is.

As she was in deep thought, her father returned from escorting Uncle Lincoln out. She adjusted her mood and smiled brightly at her father.

"Daddy, when did you get back? I thought mother was lying to me" Jessica said, walking towards her father.

Mr. Graves smiled at his daughter before giving her a peck again. "How is my princess today? You must be engrossed in your studies that you didn't even feel my presence"

"Daddy, I am so sorry. I… "

" Princess, you don't have to apologize. Besides, I know how much you love your…" Mr. Graves said, winking at his daughter." I am always supporting you from the sidelines"

" That's why you are the best dad in the entire universe!" Jessica gave her dad a huge hug and the biggest smile ever!

She looked at her dad's smiling face and frowned." Dad, you look stressed. Are you okay? Is there a problem at the company?"

"My princess, don't you trust your super daddy? Of course, there is nothing wrong with the office. I just strained myself a little because of the annual meeting coming up tomorrow" Mr. Graves replied.

" Are you sure daddy? You look stressed and all these bags under your eyes and Uncle Lincoln… "

" Princess, I am fine. Everything will be over tomorrow and when you are through with your exams we will go on a daddy and his little girl's outing" Mr. Graves said, winking at his daughter again.

"Really dad? I can't wait to see Kristen's face when we go on vacation alone" Jessica said, grinning.

"You are still acting all giddy like a child. Don't you think we should take Kristen along too?" Mr. Graves asked.

"No! She is going to tattle to mother!" Jessica shook her head. Her father just smiled and stroked her head like a child.

"Daddy, I am no longer a child. Why do you keep stroking my hair?"

" I know you are a big girl now and I am going to miss the fact that you are no longer a child," Mr. Graves said, smiling.

"What about you letting me go abroad for my master's?" Jessica asked, taking advantage of the mood.

" That's a no, Jessy. No further talks on this issue" Mr. Graves said, not falling into her trap.

Jessica knew she would fail at this bargain but she just had to give it a shot. She nodded her head as she stopped questioning him.

Mrs. Graves who just came in dragging the two rascals with her saw this scene. She cleared her throat, looking at the father and daughter suspiciously.

"What are you guys plotting behind my back?" She asked, still holding the twins tightly.

"Honey, what's with that look?" Mr. Graves asked, throwing his wife a sweet smile.

"I always get the chills whenever you are in cohorts with your daughter! I have told you several times that you are spoiling her… "

"Honey, how can a princess be spoiled? Did you forget she is our princess?" Mr. Graves said.

"Daddy, if Jessy is the princess then who am I?" Kristen asked, glaring at Jessica.

"Sorry to burst your bubble, Kristen. But you are in no way a description of a princess or even close to it" Jessica said, holding back her laughter.

"Hey, Jessy. Don't be mean to your sister!" Mrs. Graves said, scolding her older daughter.

Kristen had always liked to dress as a boy. She fights with her twin brother over his clothes. She hardly wears her feminine clothes except they are boogie pants or tops.

"You are my cute little princess!" Mr. Graves replied, looking at his second daughter with affection.

His eyes roamed all over the twins and noticed they looked ruffled. What were they up to this time around?

"And what happened to them?" Mr. Graves asked, looking at the two rascals who were looking ruffled.

"Long story. I give you guys ten minutes to get going and freshen up or you are grounded for two weeks!" Mrs. Graves said, looking at them sternly.

Jessica watched as the twins fled from the sitting room to their room. A beautiful and captivating smile was plastered on her face.

She was happy that she was surrounded by the people she loves the most. Sometimes, she might find the twins annoying, or let's say most times. Or her mother might sound annoying and intruding too. Or her father who showered all the love in the world on her might be the least annoying of them all.

But she was lucky she had a family. Not just any family but the richest in the entire Country!

The family of five had their dinner and played for a few minutes before they all headed to their separate rooms while the servants cleared the dining table.

Mr. Graves went to their bedroom followed by his wife. Immediately they got to the bedroom, he drew his wife towards him in a tight hug.

"I don't know what to do, Catherine. Those people had been planning for a long time" Mr. Graves said, trying to hold back a tear.

"What could be their reason? What did you do to them that was unforgivable? I am guessing there is an insider" Mrs. Graves complained, sobbing softly.

They had to put on an act these past weeks so the children won't notice the situation.

" What are we going to do now? These people would do anything to get our family down" She continued sobbing.

Mr. Graves held his wife tighter as they poured out their sorrow in their bedroom. He closed his eyes as the thought of what those people did flashback.

Mr. Graves was still baffled at the discoveries he just made. No matter how much they hid their tracks, he was able to detect them.

How could they be so wicked? What exactly do they want from him? Nevertheless, he was determined to fight till the end.

He won't let them get his family or…anything else!

Groaning loudly yet sleepily, Jessy tried to switch off the alarm ringing continuously for some time now.

"I just want to sleep a little! Let me sleep, Mr alarm! Why can't you just cooperate with me this once?" She murmured, covering her ears with her pillow.

She wants to sleep more! Last night she stayed up late trying to break the walls of the bank and after trying relentlessly for five hours, she finally did it at exactly 11:55. The crash lasted till exactly midnight.

There was a light tap on her door. She knew who it was but she was just too sleepy to care.

"Miss, your bath is ready. You have less than an hour to get to college" A cheerful voice said.

"Yeah. But Aunty Maya, I just need five minutes to get there. Why can't I just use the helicopter? Dad isn't going on any business trip out of town" Jessica said, covering herself with a thick blanket." Just twenty minutes to sleep and I will be in school in less than five minutes"

"Miss, your father left early this morning and the helicopter is not available at the moment. And if you don't wake up now, you might end up dressing shabbily for college" Aunt Maya said, removing the blanket from her.

Ha! She forgot she still needed to dress. She can't afford to be dressed shabbily or else that stupid Ella and her friends would upload her photos all over their school's group chat.

That's hell no for Jessica, a collegeround fashionista that had won the most gorgeously dressed campus Bella in succession.

At the mention of her being shabbily dressed, she immediately jumped out of the bed. Her sleepiness vanished into thin air. She left Aunt Maya and went straight to the bathroom.

In less than twentyfive minutes, she was already dressed up and her face was lightly touched. Putting on tightfitting jeans and a sleeveless top that brought out all her endowment, she carefully wore her jacket tailormade for her by the famous designer who was making waves.

Jessica knew the school was going to be in an uproar because of the jacket but she doesn't give a damn!

The driver dropped her off at the entrance of the college. Immediately she got inside, she was dragged to the corner by someone.

"Damn it, girl! What kind of fucking brain do you have? You did crash them yesterday!"

She grinned at Winston who was looking at her as If he was looking at an alien." I told you I hate to lose"

" How did you do it? How could you crash it for five minutes? Ha! I can imagine my father's face last night… it must be fucking hilarious!" Winston said, bursting into laughter.

Yeah, this guy was a psycho and had a kind of father complex or something. He takes pride in being rebellious towards his father who was the technical director at the States Bank.

"Hey! Your bet… all of you. I need my four hundred bucks now" Jessica told him.

He looked at her." Why are you being so petty? It's not like you even need the money"

"I know I don't need the money but it's my sweat. Besides, we made a bet and I won" Jessica said, grinning.

Winston, who thought she was going to lose the bet, looked at her grudgingly before bringing out his phone.

" How about we split it? You can get the higher share" Winston asked.

"Why would I share with you when I was the one that did everything?" Jessica asked, glaring at Winston.

" Petty!" Winston said, sending her the money.

Soon afterward, there was a beep on Jessica's phone. She took it out and saw the bank messages.

"Good boy. Just let me know if there are any more bets with a higher percentage. I will give you a cut then" she said, giggling as she went straight to her class.

Classes were a bit tiring and stressful for Jessica as she kept yawning. Perhaps it was due to lack of sleep these past three days she had been trying to crash the site.

She was so tired that she immediately packed up to leave for home. She was about to call the driver when her phone rang.

"Hey mum, where are… are you crying? What happened?" Jessica asked, worried.

Her mother's next words made her face turn pale and her phone dropped to the ground.

All she told herself was… it wasn't real.

Jessica picked up her broken phone and dashed out of the school gate. She flagged a taxi that brought her home. Tears kept flowing down her eyes and her mind was filled with different thoughts.

On getting to their residence, she saw the police surrounding the place. She paid for the taxi and rushed inside.

"Mom, dad!" She called out, rushing to the living room. Her father was looking forlorn and broken as if the whole world came crashing on him.

Jessica couldn't take her eyes off her father who had become frail overnight. Her siblings' eyes were red from crying too much while her mother snuggled them to herself.

"That bastard finally betrayed you! I told you to be wary of him but you were so sure he won't repeat his mistake " her mother sobbed softly.

Jessica walked over to her father holding his hands. This was the first time she has seen him looking so confused.

" What happened, dad?" Jessica asked.

"Your dad was framed for producing harmful drugs in the laboratory and selling it out without approval. I don't know how they got evidence that activities like that had been on for three years. Activities that don't exist" her mother replied, clenching tightly on her dress.

Mr. Graves has been too broken to utter anything. He kept staring into space as he murmured to himself.

"Evidence? How could they have evidence of something that does not exist?"

"The company has been closed down by the government. Everything has been seized too. We have been given one week to leave this house too. All because of that… Nicholas… what's wrong… "

There was a scream from Jessica's mother as her father collapsed to the ground. That's when Jessica knew she was about to face the harsh reality of life.

She just realized that a new chapter had begun in her life.

Two Years Later

"I need an iced coffee!"

"Jessy, table two needs two iced coffees and an Americano"

"Two lattes and an Americano for table four"

Jessica's head was filled with different orders. She wondered why her second hadn't signed in yet.

She was supposed to drop an application at a company that was recruiting workers in an hour. She had to leave early to arrive on time.

Jessica tried her best to satisfy every customer so she won't be scolded by her grumpy boss. That man would bring down the roof on her if any of the customers complained. He was too stingy to hire more workers even when he knew they required more hands.

Jessica had taken up several jobs so far and now she was working at a coffee shop just down the street. She prefers working there because there is no need for transportation. After all, it was just down the street. During lunch, she could simply skip over to the house to have her lunch.

All in a bid to save money. The twin's education had to be taken care of including rental and other miscellaneous bills.

After Jessica's father fainted a year ago, he had severe heart failure. It was so severe he had to undergo surgery. They had to sell most of their possessions to revive him through surgery. The bank collected their house and their company was shut down.

Her father's friends and relatives all deserted them, claiming her father was involved in drug trafficking. They said all sorts of bad words against him.

"You are a stain on our family name!"

"We can't be seen together with your family. You are a disgrace to the Graves"

"How could you think of doing such a thing? Now our family name's been dragged into the mud because of you!"

"Who would have thought that he was such a snake! A poisonous one at that! How could you sell such drugs? You are wiping out generations!"

" I can't believe I was friends with such a dangerous person! And he claims to be a doctor! Or is it a laboratory scientist? What a shame!"

The family of five had to move to a smaller apartment downtown where they were not known, for fear of mockery by their socalled friends and family.

Luckily for Jessica, she had paid her tuition for the final year. She just had to bear all criticism as she wrote her final year examination.

"I can't believe she came to write the exam"

"Her family is in a mess and her father is at the point of death yet she still came to write the exams"

"It's obvious she doesn't have a future yet she is trying desperately to cling to it"

"Serves her right! She always claims to be a fashionista. I wonder how horrible her dressing would turn out to be!"

Amidst all the mockery, she put on a brave front for the two weeks she had in college. After her exams, to fend for her family, she delved into any menial job that could fetch her money. They had been surviving on her little pay job.

With her results out, she had been searching for a job that could pay her better. She was still lost in her thoughts when her phone rang. It was an unfamiliar number.

"Hello…"

"Jessy! I finally got hold of you! Thank goodness! Where the hell have you hidden all these while? Even if you were hiding from everyone, will I also be included? I thought I was your friend!" An angry voice began scolding her as soon as she picked up.

Just by her voice, Jessy knew it was her bosom friend talking. Angela was her childhood friend but they had to part ways when their family relocated abroad. They lost contact when Jessy stopped using her old line as soon as they moved out of their house.

"Angie… I… I am so sorry… I just… " Jessy didn't know what to tell her friend.

"Jessy! We need two lattes and an Americano on tables four and five! Hurry up and drop that call!" Her boss's voice said, getting pissed.

Jessica was also pissed off too. Her time was over but that damn girl that was supposed to take over from her was nowhere to be found. And the annoying part was that her boss won't pay her for the additional time spent. If not that she didn't need the job, she would have quit a long time ago.

"Angie, I need to go but I will be available in four hours. I will call you as soon as I am free" Jessy said.

"Alright, Jessy. Don't forget to call me. I will be waiting" Angie said, reluctant to end the call.

"I won't, Angie!" Jessica said, cutting the call hurriedly so she could get the orders ready.

Finally, an hour later, her second came with an apology. But Jessica had no time to waste because she had to go and submit her application letter as soon as possible.

She heard they were recruiting workers for the Turner Group of Company. She wanted to try her luck if she could get the position of secretary.

Picking up her bag, she walked swiftly trying to leave the Cafe as soon as she could. Unfortunately, she bumped into a muscular chest.

"Ouch! I am so sorry, please!" Jessica said, without looking at the person. After apologizing, with her head still bowed she turned to leave.

"Where do you think you are going, bitch! Do you know who you just bumped into?" A female voice shrieked as she drew Jessica back, holding her hair.

It felt as though Jessica's head was about to be separated from her neck. The girl's grip was so strong!

"I already apologize, Miss. Please, I am sorry. I was in a hurry and I didn't look where I was going… ouch! You are hurting me!" Jessica said, whimpering in pain.

" Let her go, Jane," A sexy baritone voice said. The voice was so alluring that Jessica had the urge to see the person.

She raised her head gradually and their eyes met. The man had the most gorgeous hazel eyes ever. There was a playful smirk on his face and his sexy plump lips looked tempting.

Jessica could feel those hazel eyes roaming all over her body. She suddenly felt naked before his eyes.

"Pervert!" She cursed, softly.

Then she turned around and left not knowing she just triggered a wild beast in the man.

The man's hazel eyes followed the beauty till she was out of sight. Gosh, she was so beautiful and… arrogant. How dare she call him a pervert? His eyes flashed in anger but he quickly kept it in check.

She was lucky he was with another woman and he needed to clarify things with Janet or else he would have shown her the meaning of someone who is a pervert!

Edwin Turner barely tore his gaze away from the gorgeous figure. He walked briskly to the end of the cafe and sat down, brooding.

"Edwin, is something wrong? Did that girl say something to you? I will teach her a lesson if she dares" Janet said, drawing close to Edwin. Her boobs were almost touching his chest and it seemed she didn't hear what that feisty girl just said to him.

"Teach her a lesson? As what…My wife? My girlfriend? My lover? Because the last time I checked we were done" Edwin told her, smiling.

His face lit up the cafe with his smile and Janet couldn't help drooling all over him. She grabbed his hands and frantically held them tightly. They were barely two days into their relationship!

"What do you mean by that, Edwin? We just fucking had a good time in the office!" Janet said, her face turning pale from anger and embarrassment.

" And I fucking told you as I screwed you, Janet. It's over between us. I wanted to make it clearer for you over a cup of latte or Americano but I guess you got it already" Edwin whispered in her ears. He hated this part the most.

Why do they keep coming when they know they won't last? It's not like his affairs were a secret.

" You can't do this to me, Edwin! You told me you love me!" Janet said, trying to press down her voice.

" Did I? But then I love all my bitches until I get tired of them. Didn't you know before you came to me? Stop with your drama" Edwin told her, smiling. He had told every fucking girl he laid that he loves them! Why would she be special?

Grabbing his hands tightly, Janet's tears began to fall on her welldolledup face. Her chest was heaving up and down exposing a huge chunk of her boobs.

Unfortunately, Edwin has no time to check her out as he rises from the chair. His image was already filled with the celestial beauty he just bumped into. He wondered how such a feisty girl would feel underneath him, writhing in pleasure.

" Edwin! You are a bastard!" Janet screamed, attracting the attention of the people in the cafe. They all looked toward their table.

Although she knew Edwin was a casanova, she tried to put in her all so he could stay with her. It was all to no avail! If not for his wealth and beauty she wouldn't bother trying to have him all to herself.

Edwin Turner couldn't be bothered by her screams as he put on his sunglasses, strolling out of the cafe as if he wasn't the one being screamed at. As he stepped out of the cafe, the sun shone brightly on his gorgeous face which was like one of the Greek gods.

He was one of the wealthiest young men with his family being the number one family in the state. He was not just a rich brat. He was one of the most ruthless businessmen in the business world setting aside his flirty ways.

He was an eligible bachelor who flirted with any object with a feminine touch. Even though he was a tough businessman revered by all, he was also a chronic womanizer.

His office was like a chalet during his lunch break. The ladies kept swarming in even though he breaks their hearts every three days. The longest relationship Edwin had was a week long.

"Sir, are you going to the office or you are heading home?" The driver asked.

"Let's go to the office. I need to check the list of applicants. Left with Jacob, he will take an ugly duckling as my secretary" Edwin said, murmuring the last part to himself.

The driver nodded and drove towards the company.

Edwin Turner stepped out of the car and his eyes caught an interesting figure. He frowned seeing her in the company building. Did she come to apply too?

His lips curled up when he remembered her words to him earlier.

Maybe, he can finally show her how perverted he can be. But it seems she had seen him and was running away. Edwin watched as she ran away, his gaze dark and sensual.

"Run on, rabbit. You will soon be mine!" Edwin muttered. He was going to find out who she was and when he did, she would be begging to stay underneath him.

He was going to show her the true meaning of a pervert!

Jessica Graves kept running at top speed so she could meet the deadline for applying. She managed to get there in time. Having nowhere to go, she decided to keep strolling.

Thirty minutes later, she got to a gigantic building. It was the Turner Group of Company. She saw an advert for recruiting workers but she didn't want to get her hopes up.

That was one of the largest companies in the states and she knew there was only a one percent chance of her being accepted.

"It would be a waste to apply here. I am sure they already have people that would take the job anyways " she murmured to herself.

But then Jessica's mind kept telling her to give it a try. She always carries up to four or five application CVs along with her at all times. Since she already has an application letter, she decided to give it a try. Although she didn't have much hope to be accepted, she still dropped it.

Making her way out, she was in awe at the beauty and magnificence of the building inside. How wonderful it would be to work in a place like this even as a messenger.

She was still walking around the building when she caught sight of that same man from the cafe a while ago. Seeing him again made her heart race and a feeling she had never experienced filled her heart.

Jessica hit her head hard to scold herself for having those weird thoughts. How could she have such feelings for a perverted person like that?

Turning around briskly, she tried to avoid the gorgeous man that was walking in her direction. Without a second thought, she ran away like a frightened rabbit without looking back.

What she didn't notice was the man's penetrating and lecherous gaze on her as if she was prey and he was the ultimate predator.

Waiting to devour her.

The sight of that man sets a warning alarm in Jessica's head. She needed to get away from him as soon as she could. Turning around, she ran in short strides. Barely three strides away, she felt a hit on her head.

"Ouch!" Jessica muffled her hurtful groan as she bumped into someone. The files in her hands were scattered all over. She looked up to see a welldressed young lady holding her head.

Jessica immediately forgot about her pain and began to apologize, after all, she was the one that bumped into her.

"I am very sorry, ma. I didn't watch where I was going"

"It's not entirely your fault. I wasn't looking too as I was in a hurry. I am partly to blame, ``the young lady said, smiling. She looked down and saw her documents in the file scattered all over the floor.

Jessica also caught a glimpse of the documents and she immediately squatted down to arrange them. The girl also helped her arrange them.

"You have lots of application letters in your file. Sorry, but I couldn't help myself" She said, apologetically.

" It's alright. I was just job hunting. I tend to drop at any company offering a job space" Jessica replied, picking up the documents hastily. She doesn't want that man to see her again. She has had enough bad emotions today.

"I see you also have an application for the Turner Group. Why didn't you submit it?" The lady asked.

Jessica scratched her head. She can't possibly tell her it was because she was running from a hot pervert, right?

"I… I just don't feel confident enough to apply. I mean this is a very big company. Why would they want to hire someone like me who doesn't have any experience?"

"And how would you gain experience if you are never hired? Trust me, girl, you just have to keep trying. You might just be the lucky one" the girl said, patting her.

"Miss, I appreciate your kind words and encouragement but I… I don't have the courage to… "

" First, my name is Misha. Secondly, since you are afraid, just give me all your information and I will help you drop it. How about that?" Misha replied.

" You… you will do that for me? Why?" Jessica asked, shocked at the lady's offer.

" Nothing special. Let's just say, I was once in your shoes. And I also received help to get to where I am today" Misha replied.

Jessica was filled with different emotions. She didn't know if she should hug Misha or not.

" Thank you so much, Misha. I am truly grateful to you"

" Not so fast, Jessica Graves. Once you are in, you are going to give me a special treat once you earn your first pay" Misha said jokingly, looking at the name in the document.

" I don't mind at all! You are truly Godsend to me! "

" Alright, I have to go before I get fired for staying out so late. I don't want to be out when you get in" Misha said, smiling. She took a file containing the application for the Turner Group. Waving Jessica goodbye, she turned around and left.

Jessica couldn't believe her luck! She thought she had already lost the opportunity of submitting her application. She felt truly grateful to Misha. Even if she doesn't pass the interview, she would remain grateful to her.

It was getting late already and Jessica had to go to a night job for about four hours before finally going home. If she misses tonight's shift, she can kiss her payroll goodbye!

"That's not acceptable! I still have to pay for the electricity and two other bills tomorrow. I also have to take dad for his checkup too. So I can't afford to miss my paycheck!" Jessica muttered to herself.

She took out her phone and placed a call to her mother to tell her she would be home a little late so they wouldn't wait for her. What she didn't tell them was that she was going to be extremely late!

The blaring sound of music and the swaying hips of scantily dressed girls lingered in a clubhouse. There were different people dancing while others were just focused on drinking or harassing girls.

Upstairs, a group of expensively dressed men gathered around a table filled with drinks. There were several call girls attending to the men but their attention was mostly on an extremely dashing young man who seemed to be in deep thought.

"Hey, Ed! What are you thinking about? You are in a fucking club man! Who's gonna spank these bitches?" One of the young men said, looking drunk.

" Jay is right, dude. These bitches' eyes are glued on you! I bet they don't even see us, right bitch?" Another added, spanking one of the call girls.

"Have enough of them, Fred. I just want a fresh indifferent flower for a change. She looks so fierce and… surprisingly beautiful at the right places" Edwin said, an image of the girl flashing before his eyes.

" Damn! Did you get another chick? What about those busty boobs from your office? You dated not long ago" Fred exclaimed, pushing the girl who was trying to wrap herself in his arms.

" That's a closed chapter. You know I don't play for long" Edwin said, looking indifferent.

" Yeah. Keep bragging, man. But I tell you, someday you are gonna be hooked to a bitch that plays better than you!" Fred said, sipping his wine.

Fred always believed that there would be a girl who would steal Edwin's heart and in return, she would smash it just like he had been doing to all these girls.

"Enough of your motivational talks, Fred. Let's hear who the next toy is. Is she a movie star? A spoiled socialite? Or one of those bitches in your office?" Jay asked, pressing hard at the girl on his lap.

"None of the criteria. I bumped into her at a cafe where I decided to put a clean end to Janet. She was one hell of a feisty lady" Edwin said, his mind trailing to those eyes that bore through him. She has the most gorgeous pairs of eyes ever.

" So, it looks like you were not able to create contact with her. That's why you sound disturbed, right?" Fred asked, smiling.

Just as Edwin wanted to reply to y his friend, his eyes caught that familiar figure again but before he could look carefully, she was gone.

" Am I seeing her everywhere now?" He questioned himself. He stretched his hands to pour himself a drink as he signal a call girl to himself.

He needs to relieve himself from that girl's charm.

"I am sorry, Kendra. I…"

"Just get back to work but you owe me an hour from my work time!"

"Deal, Kendra. And thanks so much"

Jessica didn't mind working an extra one or more hours as long as she got her pay today. She can't afford to lose her money. There was so much she need to do by tomorrow.

As soon as her second left, she became busy serving the people in the bar. She had to make up for just five minutes that she was late. She was happy her second covered up for her before the manager came.

It was almost her closing time and she was glad her paycheck would be handed to her in a few minutes.

"Jessy, manager Riel wants you to serve some guests in the private ward upstairs," One of the waitresses said.

"Alright, Kendra. Do you have their orders or do I get them?" Jessica asked.

"No, they are regulars. Just meet the bar boy or meet Kevin, tell them room 14 and he will give you their orders" Kendra replied, walking away." And remember to put on your facemask. You have been sneezing for some time now"

Yeah. It looks like the cold air hit her in the chest and she had been feeling damn cold in the past hours she had been working. The regulars in this bar are one hell of a picky group. So, she has to be careful not to be thrown out on the night of her paycheck!

Picking up a facemask, Jessica walked toward the bar to place her orders. One of the bar boys who just started working a few days back was giving her a creepy smile. She gave him a stern look that put him in place.

"Still looking fierce yet hot! You gotta loosen up, girl" Kevin, the other bar boy said. He was among the oldest worker in the bar.

"I hate perverts and creeps!" Jessica spat out, glaring at the boy again.

"You got those regularly because you are a hot girl! Not just hot but beautiful and… "

" Kevin, could you please stop? I am getting goosebumps already!" Jessica rolled her eyes.

" Love goosebumps, I get?" Kevin asked, grinning. Jessica just pursed her lips, feigning annoyance.

" I need orders for room 14, Kevin. I don't have time to waste on you because I have to be off in a few minutes" Jessica said, looking at her watch.

Her mother was going to give her an earful tonight. She didn't tell them she also worked at a bar. That's because she was only needed for just three hours on weekdays.

"Here you go, sweetheart. Just be careful in swinging your hips, those dudes are poachers!" Kevin warned, smiling.

"Poachers?"

"Yeah. Poachers of beautiful and sexy women like you!" He said.

Jessica didn't have time to reply to him as she walked briskly yet carefully towards the room. It wasn't a room because it was simply enclosed in transparent glasses. They could see through anyone from the bar.

Pushing the door gently after announcing her presence, a strong alcoholic scent wafted through her nose. It wasn't just the scent of alcohol but also the scent of something else.

Looking around the room, she saw about four men and a few call girls dressed skimpily. They were busy making out except for one of the young men who had his eyes closed. There was a lady who was looking rather displeased at the man but kept rubbing all over his body. There was not a single reaction from the man.

Jessica calmly placed the drinks on the table before turning to leave. But as she was about to leave, she heard a man's voice behind her.

"Turn around and remove the mask, beautiful bitch"

Did she hear right? Why would he be interested in her face? And what a rude man! How dare he call her a bitch! Was Kevin right about these men being poachers or whatever he means by that?

Jessica took a deep breath before turning around to look at the person. It was one of the men surrounded by women.

"I am sorry sir but I am not allowed to remove the mask. It's a rule by the manager, sir" Jessica said, trying to keep her composure. Even if the manager comes, she would be able to defend herself.

After all, she was truly cold and sneezing.

"Vince, leave the poor girl alone. There are so many hotter bitches here" one of them said. He sounded drunk.

"Mind your bitch, Fred," the man retorted. Then he turned to her" You want me to call the manager and get you fired?"

Jessica was at loss for words. Why would this man pick her out? Confused about what to do, she decided to do as the man says. Who knows what he might tell her manager?

"Let her be, Vince. I didn't know you were interested in girls like her. Aren't socialite ladies your aim?"

The person who just spoke looked like the man whose eyes were closed earlier but his face was hidden because of the dim light.

"I don't want to bang her, Ed. Just want to see her face. Don't want to drink something I don't know who the waiter is" the man insisted.

"Alright. If that's what you mean" The man replied, opening his eyes. Due to the dim light, no one caught the surprise in the man's expression.

Although the girl was putting on a facemask, he could never forget those fierce eyes and hot… body.

The person he saw earlier was truly her. But what was she doing at the bar? Wasn't she working at the Cafe?

Not knowing what was going on in the man's mind, Jessica slowly removed her facemask. But then, there was the sound of a phone ringing. It seems to be the man's phone. Distracted by the phone call, he picked it up.

"I will be right there. Keep him on the leash" the man said over the phone.

"Edwin, what's the problem?"

"I gotta go. I just caught that bastard that got my video leaked to my father. I am going to teach him a lesson!" Edwin said.

Without thinking about the girl who was still standing awkwardly in the room, he left hurriedly. He believed he would see her soon again!

Taking the distraction caused by the man's sudden movement, Jessica slipped out of the room before they could come back to their senses.

She needed to go for her paycheck and hopefully, she wouldn't have to come to work in this bar again!

Jessica happily skips to her house as soon as she gets hold of her paycheck. It would be enough to sort out her bills and her father's medical too.

She was happy she escaped from that den of wolves or should she say, poacher.? These people would have caused trouble for her. She frowned when she remembered the voice of the man in the dark.

"Why did he sound so familiar? It's like I have heard the voice somewhere" she said to herself, thinking deeply.

Maybe she was mistaken. Nevertheless, voices aren't too peculiar. One can see more than two people with similar voices. She removed those thoughts from her mind as she drew closer to her house.

Taking a deep breath, she plastered a smile on her face as she got ready for the lie she had practiced for more than an hour.

"Mum! Dad!" She said, walking inside their little apartment.

" Jessy, you are back. Go and freshen up so we can all eat!" Her mother said, making some clanging noises in the kitchen.

" Mum… you…"

"Go and freshen up, young woman! You know how much I hate to sweat!" Her mother said, cutting her off.

Holding back the tears threatening to fall, Jessy did not go straight to the bathroom but went to the kitchen to embrace her mother tightly.

" You knew, right?" Jessica asked, hiding her shaky voice.

" The only thing I know right now is that you stink, sweetie. Now shush… go get freshened up before hugging me" her mother replied, ignoring her question.

Jessica nodded as she secretly wipe off her tears. She ran swiftly to the bathroom, not just to bathe but to also let out bottledup tears.

Mrs. Graves watched her daughter running upstairs with her barely hidden tears. She felt sorry that she failed as a mother. She couldn't even work so she could fend for her children. Instead of taking care of them, Jessica bore the burden of catering for them all.

She knew about all the work her daughter had been doing just to fend for them. She also knew she was working some hours at a bar after her usual work at the cafeteria.

There were soft footsteps coming toward the kitchen and she quickly hid her tears.

"It's my fault, Catherina. I made her like this. My princess became like this because of my incompetence as a father" Mr. Graves lamented, walking towards his wife.

The couple drowns in guilt, unable to do anything. As they were feeling sorry, the twins came down from their room and were looking everywhere.

"Mum, dad. Where is Jessy? Isn't she back yet? I made her favorite juice" Kristen said, going towards the fridge.

" And I made her favorite cookies!" Tristan doesn't want to be left out too. Although save for two pieces, the rest were burnt to the core.

The twins were both bent on outdoing each other when Jessica came down too. They rushed to her and each brought her what they had prepared for her.

"Jessy, eat!"

"Jessy, drink!"

With a broad smile on her face, she took one of the burnt cookies in one hand and the juice in the other hand. She ate the cookies and drank the juice made by the twins.

Beaming with a smile, the twins were happy. Not just them alone, the whole family was lucky. Even if they lost all that they had, they still had each other.

After having the late dinner, they all went to sleep while Jessica brought out her phone to call her friend, Angela.

"Angie, I am sorry for calling late. I just got home not long ago so I decided to call you. How are you coping?" Jessica asked.

The two friends continued talking for almost an hour until Jessica became sleepy.

" Jess, just email me your credentials and I will look for a job for you here. I think there would be vacancies in my company"

" Seriously, Angie? I will email it to you as soon as possible. I am so grateful" Jessica said, excited in her voice.

" You don't need to thank me, Jess. We are friends and I won't hesitate to help you" Angela replied.

After talking for another ten minutes, they said goodbye to each other. Jessica lay on her bed with many thoughts in her head before she finally fell asleep.

The next morning the alarm rang continuously to remind Jessica to wake up. She managed to wake up after a few more rings. She has to get ready now or she would be late for work.

"Jessy, freshen up and come down for breakfast!" Her mother said.

"Yes, mom!"

Jessica quickly got ready for work and went downstairs for breakfast. She quickly took a few bites so she could hurry to work. Before leaving, she noticed the twins were not ready for school yet.

"Where are Kristen and Tristan? Aren't they ready for school?" Jessica asked.

"They… they already left," her mother said, forcing a smile.

Mrs. Graves wasn't the type that can lie, so Jessica noticed right away that there was an issue.

"What is it, mum? Why are they not in school? And… don't lie to me, please" Jessica said.

" They… "

" We were sent back from school. The teacher said she needs the tuition fee for this semester" Kristen said, coming out of their room. It looks like they were hiding.

" How long have you stopped school?" Jessica asked.

" Two weeks," Tristan replied.

" Mom, you told me you guys sorted it out. What happened? You should have told me!" Jessica said, getting angry at herself for not being observant of her siblings.

She turned to the twins." I will sort this out and you will go back to school on Monday"

She smiled at them before leaving quickly so that her mother won't see the tears falling down her face. Memories of their past rushed into her mind and she kept wiping the tears that refused to stop.

When she finally got to the cafeteria, she was more than twentyfive minutes late. The cafe was already bustling with people. Her boss wanted to scold her but the depressed look on her face made him change his mind.

"Jessy, are you okay?" He asked.

Jessica bites hard on her lips contemplating whether or not she should ask for a salary advance from her boss. She didn't have any other way to get the tuition fee.

She knew her boss was never the type to give out salary upfront but she just wanted to give it a try. Will he agree to give her?

This morning was not what she envisioned!

Jessica pursed her lips, thinking if she should tell her boss or not. Thinking about how her younger ones were at home while others were going to school, she decided to give it a try. At least, it won't do any harm asking him.

If not that she had already paid for the bills and her father's medical, she would have given them that money first. But she just paid for the bills.

"Boss, I… I wanted to ask…" Jessica stuttered. She was afraid of the outcome of what she was about to ask.

"Jessica, if it's about money, it's not going to work" her boss cuts in.

Looking perplexed at the way that man could sense whenever someone wants to ask for money, Jessica just bites hard on her lips.

"Jessy, it's not like I don't want to help you or something. It's just that I did a lot of expenses for the shop and my family. I can't release any money today or even three days from now because I just spent a huge sum on the business, ``he explained.

He sighed loudly before leaving the perplexed Jessica who already knew the outcome yet was still surprised.

She knew it was futile. That man would never part with an early salary. She wondered if she could get another parttime job that pays hourly. It would be

Just some tables away, Jessica didn't know she was being scrutinized by some pair of eyes. Edwin and two of his friends were observing the distressed lady at the coffee stand. It was obvious she was asking for an in front of her salary.

The girl had the most gorgeous pair of emerald green eyes and a perfect front. Her face would make any man lost in it with rosy lips that had just a gloss on them. And when she walked in, even though she was poorly dressed, it couldn't hide the perfectly sized hips.

"Wow, Ed! The girl is so hot! And natural! Can't believe such beauties still exist" Roy exclaimed.

"You are right, Roy. She got the right curves and face. Not to talk of her feisty personality. She is going to be a feast in bed" another one said.

"Seriously Rick, your grammar sucks! What has feast got to do with bed?" Roy said, looking at the one that just spoke.

"Whatever. Ed, was she truly the chick that called you a pervert and didn't look at you twice?" Rick asked, facing the horrifying expression on Edwin's face.

"Must you rub it in?" Edwin asked, getting irritated.

"Just wanted to confirm it. Ed, you have to admit the girl beat you hands down and I bet you can't get her" Rick said, grinning.

"Are you daring me?" Edwin asked, gazing at his friend.

"More like a bet that you can't get her!" Rick reaffirms.

"I agree with Rick on this matter. This chick is way out of your league, dude" Jay said, chuckling.

"Out of my league? How can you call poor trash like her out of my league? Or do you mean she is too poor for my liking?" Edwin asked, a sly smile on his face.

" In terms of getting the girls, she is above you man. You can't get her" Rick responded, smiling too.

Edwin was getting pissed at his friend's remark. How could they say that girl was way out of his league? He is the son of the wealthiest family in the States and a more successful businessman.

"Apart from the beauty and her curves, what else does she have? Do you think she would refuse my proposal if I ask her to spend a night with me?" Edwin asked, arrogantly.

"Yes. She would refuse you, dude. This girl isn't one of those bitches who hangs with you. She looks homely" Jay remarked.

" Homely? What would you say about Sandra? Wasn't she homely? But she was begging to be fked by me" Edwin bragged.

" She is different and Sandra wasn't just homely, she was a homely slut!" Rick spat out, distastefully.

" Notwithstanding, I can get any girl I want. They can't resist my charm or my money" Edwin said.

" Then go and try her. She requires money right now. Try her and see. But I bet you are going to receive something unexpected " Rick said.

" Don't be jealous, Rick. You don't have to hold a grudge against me because of Sandra. I just banged her once" Edwin said, grinning.

" No grudges, dude. Just go and hang this girl out there and I will accept whatever you say henceforth!" Rick said, a smirk playing on his face.

He just can't wait to see the embarrassing scene that will likely unfold. Rick has little idea about these types of girls. Even if they are bitches, they would want the man to pretend to see them as queens.

"Fine! I will go and meet her" Edwin said, looking at the distressed girl whose eyes were looking into nowhere in particular.

She was looking so innocent yet sexy and gorgeous. Her green emerald eyes shone even though they looked dull and in distress. He wondered what he was thinking about.

He heard that she was looking for a salary upfront. If he can offer her a few hundred thousand dollars or even a million, he bet she won't hesitate to throw herself at him.

"If you fail this one, you owe me and if you win, I owe you," Rick said.

"Deal!" Edwin said without hesitation.

Adjusting his hair before putting on a charming smile, Edwin walked slowly towards the girl who was sitting alone. There were no customers in the Cafe except for himself and his friends.

"Hello beautiful, dollars for your thoughts?" Edwin asked.

Jessica looked up to see those beautiful eyes that she had been thinking about since yesterday. He was looking more handsome and charming. She wanted to smile at him but then she remembered what happened the last time.

" No, thanks. Keep the dollars to yourself" Jessica replied.

" How about a night with you? Just name your price" Edwin said, smiling as his eyes continue to ravage her body.

Jessica thought she heard wrong. He couldn't be telling her to sleep with him, right?

" Sorry, what did you just say?" Jessica asked again.

" Name your price. I am ready to pay you anything just have you under me. A night… ouch!"

Jessica didn't wait for him to finish his explanation before a resounding slap landed on his cheek. It was so loud that her hands hurt but she didn't mind.

Hitting a pervert was more satisfying than the hurt in her hands!