C8

ISABELLA

"Ughh"I groaned pressing on my temple and trying to ease the pounding of my headache.I really hadn't thought it through when I 'd decided to get drunk the night before.Not to mention the fact that I hadn't even gotten home until two in the morning and then had to wake up at eight to get ready for my nine to five shift.All in all I felt like crap.

Chloe smirked at me from the other side of store,where she was wiping down the tables.I'd volunteered to do it initially,but the smell of bleach want to make me puke.

I glanced at my phone,expecting to see a missed call from Jaden,but there was nothing.Had I scared him away last night? He'd definitely deserve my attitude but I wondered if I was too harsh.

I snorted.I wasn't going to entertain that thought for a moment.He totally deserve it.Hopefully he'd learn something from it.Admittedly I was still a little worried.What if he didn't want to use me as his pretending girlfriend anymore? That was a lot of money to give up for a little dignity.

"Any text from Jaden yet?" Chloe asked, leaning over the counter to look at my phone.

"Suprisely no"

"Disappointed?"

"Not really" I said,opening the cash register and straightening out the money.There wasn't much to do at work today.It was rainy,quiet and dismissal outside and no customer were coming in. I figured they were passing for the Dukin's down the street with drive thru.

Chloe nodded a few times even though there was nothing to agree on.when do you go back to work at The Groove Restaurant,Thinking about it my suspension is almost over.Did I want to go back with the money Jaden had given me,I really didn't have to.But if things didn't work out I will be screwed.Coffee House didn't pay me enough to. support myself,let alone my college bills that may come in the fall."I have couple more days thinking about going back want to make me cry though."

"But your tips are so good! ten grand good" she added with a grin.

"Not everyone is as special as Jaden" I laughted.

"I wonder if he has a brother."

"Oh Robert that guy he was with said he did have a brother"

Chloe brown eyes lit up,"I may be in luck afterall"

"I'm up for a challenge," was her response."It's about time for me to get over your brother anyway"

I tensed at the mention of my brother.

"Yeah."

Chloe gave me a sorry and sympathetic look "He'll be out soon.Isabella,he's made it this far I am sure the six months will fly by.Are you still mad at him?"

"I was never mad at him," I told her putting my arms into my apron while leaning on the counter."I will be happy when he's out,less stress for me.....If he can find a job.Jail doesn't look good on the resume..ugh he was so stupid."

"That's if he even did it," she pointed out. "If you guys can somehow prove he didn't...."

"Doesn't matter since he still went to jail for it" I interuppted her."Maybe he did do it,I am not sure but he do drink alot".I was tired of having the arguements within myself.Did my brother Austin do it? or did he not do it? was he actually innocent? Or had he actually stole the bike and put lives in danger? Either way,it made my hair hurt and either way,he'd be gone for almost half a year and I'd been left by myself.

Chloe then placed her hands on her hips. "When he get out of jail,he's going to want to fight this."

"But first,he will need a new lawyer" I said his current lawyer didn't seem to be on our side at all.

"Maybe Jaden knows someone who can help,maybe you should ask him."

What was I suppose to say?please help my brother,who maybe guilty out of the crime we are not sure he committed?It didn't sound pleasant to the ears."Don't bring it up to Jaden,don't even mention Austin's name and while am at it,don't tell him,I mentioned to him having a brother.It kind of seem like he did not want to talk about it," I told her thinking back is expression almost like mine when someone asked about my brother.That kind of stop-talking-now-look.

Chloe touched her jaw "I won't say anything.But do you think it's like all those T.V shows where brothers have to fight for family business? and that would be pretty intense"

Wow,I hadn't thought about that.It would definitely make sense especially if there is only one C.E.O of the hotels.A family torn up by money...it could explain Jaden was so dramatic especially about his brother maybe.

"Then maybe the brother will meet you and fall in love and they will fight. over you and the rights of the hotel."

I shook my head and grinned,"Okay Chloe live your crazy ideas to your TV shows and books."

She rubbed her hands together grinning evilly."A writer does need to get her inspiration from somewhere."

Just then my phone ringed and Chloe look towards me with a wide smile and snapped her fingers.I flipped her off and picked my phone off the counter and looked at it.Jaden Castle the name flashed on my screen,I am sensing a trend here,I said as I answered it.

"You picked up." he sounded surprise.

"That's what you are suppose to do,if your phone rings" I retorted even though I usually ignored phone calls and texted Instead.But Jaden deserves my sarcasm.

"You are at work" he pointed.

"If you know that then why did you call?"

"How are you feeling?"

"Oh huh,I'm fine" His question threw me off guard and suddenly I felt like a jerk.Here I was been rude and bitchy while he was actually being considerate for once.

"I left some aspirin in the bag with your clothing,did you see it? I 'd figure you will have a headache this morning."

He'd left me an aspirin that was suprisely sweet.I'd been in such a rush to get to bed I hadn't emptied the bag though, "I missed it did you go and buy it?" You didn't have too,it was my choice to drink and I'll deal with the consequences.

"I carry it around with me" he told me and i imagined him shrugging "I get headache often."

"oh well,still thank you" I said awkwardly.He sounded weird today,caring almost.Maybe I had been a little to rude to him,I couldn't remember my exact words so I wasn't sure.But it was definitely weird for Jaden to act this way,it's kind of creepy though "Listen about last night––"

"It's ok" He said immediately."I've been,for lack of better words,an asshole.Don't apologize because you haven't been doing anything wrong.it was me."

Just what exactly had I said the night before?whatever it was,it worked.I was impressed okay.

"Can we move past this?" I want this to work and not be awkward between us.I'll do my best not to let it repeat again.

"Yeah,okay" Get past me being completely plastered in front of him? No problem.

There was a moment of silence after that I was beginning to think this was a habit of his.Chloe stared back at me obviously listening to our conversation.I shooed her away.

"Ah,that's right.Last night when I was leaving your apartment,I notice your lock at the front door was coming off" he started again.

My heart pounded loud and skipped a beat.Had he entered my apartment? I didn't remember that. "You went into my place?" I asked trying not to sound upset.

"No I just walked you to your door.I am talking about the main entrance,you should call your landlady to fix it. The area you live in is........unsettled trying not to sound offensive."

I relaxed a bit,it wasn't like I was embarrassed about the apartment but hey maybe a little but in Jaden's eyes it would probably look like trash.I definitely didn't want him to enter it or making any comments about it's state,"Okay I think she changed her number."

"Your landlady?"

"Yeah,she don't really act like one though since squatter live below me."

Jaden paused for a moment and said "Maybe I can contact her."

"No I said quickly" I had a feeling Jaden contacting my landlady would most likely be ending with me been kicked out of the apartment "I don't mind anyway the squatter isn't bothering me."

"Squatter aside shouldn't your landlady be making sure to upkeep the apartment is good? It wouldn't be a problem for me to contact her".

"Well,thank you it's my problem and my place so I'll fix it myself," I told him Chloe raised an eyebrow and her mouth bitched at me.

He sighed "why are you like that"

"Like what?"

"Why do you refuse my help,most people will gladly accept it."

I shrugged then realized he couldn't see me."I have been own my own for a while so I'm used to doing things for myself and by myself.It's better than relying on other people for everything,sorry if I sound rude."

"You sound lonely."

I really wanted to say "what do you know? but I refrained from it.He probably didn't know.He was rich.He had a family.It was better just to keep the conversation that way.The less he knew the better.The last thing I wanted was any more pity from him,or is there any other reason you're calling?"

Chloe shooked her head at me and raised an eyebrow in a questioning way. "You are so rude" she whispered.

Her words distracted me and I only caught the end of Jaden's next sentence. "I figure it will be the fastest way.I will come and pick you up and drop you off,of course," he finished.

"For what? sorry,Chloe was talking"despite not thinking I was being rude,I realized it then lightened my tone to sound more polite.

"I said you should come to my house because no one mentioned seeing us to my father."

"Your house" oh man,I did not want to see the type of mansion he lived in.He probably may have maids here and there,doing domestic chores and security at the front gate.But it was part of my job so it wasn't like I could say no to him especially after last night drama.Maybe he lived more modestly and I wouldn't feel to out of place.Or even better,maybe he had a Jacuzzi.A Jacuzzi would be worth it."I'll come over but if you want your father to know so bad,why don't you tell him?"

"He won't believe me,if i tell i have a girlfriend now.And even if he did believe,he will want to meet you and he'd know something was up immediately,as I have said" he explained then sucked in a quick air that was kind of questionable though.

I nodded my head appreciatively because it looks like he took my words to heart.Good but though doesn't really make sense to me,but sure am all in.

"I know what I am doing doesn't really make very much sense to you,but I know what I am doing we have to put of with my father until he genuinely thinks I am interested in you that's when you will be introduce d to him"

"And going over to your house helps this but how?"

"I don't let people over to my house apart from Robert " he told me and if i have you over he will believe there is something serious between us.

That sound sketchy" why doesn't anyone go to your house"

"That's....." he trailed off,leaving the sentence unfinished.

I wondered if it was something private,I shouldn't have asked about. well actually I feel that way about my apartment too.So i guess i should feel honoured to be allowed to visit your mansion....."house I mean."

"So will see you at six then."

"I'll drive there,where is the address?"

"I will pick you up" he responded.

I pursed my lips.I was a capable person," why? I can drive there.Don't waste your gas."

"Your car will give away your social status."

I narrowed my eyes but wouldn't say anything.He was right my car was pretty darn beat up but still couldn't help it but felt insulted.

"No offense "immediately he added after the comment.

He was learning,a bit slowly.

"Fine " I agreed in a mumble.

"See you then," he said and immediately hung up.

I shoved the phone back into my pocket and sighed "Dude sucks at goodbyes."

Chloe patted my shoulder "You sound rough,so what did he want? A hot hookup."

"I am going over to his house,I guess"

Her eyes grew big "Wait it was a hookup and I was just joking!"

"No he's kind of weird,i don't really know but it seems he is afraid of his Dad or something but isn't he kind of too old for such.I wondered what kind of person he is" I wondered if i should be afraid of his kind of person.Anyone who down on the lesser

fortunate couldn't really recieve any respect from me and judging Jaden attitude his Dad wouldn't be any different but probably worst.

"You think he has a Jacuzzi?" Chloe asked.I broke out with a grin.I knew there was a reason she was my bestfriend aside from the fact i didn't have any other friends, "I guess we will find out"

Back at home after showering I was once again facing the dilemma

that all my clothing was old and baggy.I debated the dress,I'd worn last night but didn't want to wear dirty clothing.Which left me with a pair of jeans and a t-shirt,my usual attire.I didn't think it mattered this time

since I was just going to his house.It wasn't like I was meeting anyone hopefully.

The minute I saw a car pulled down at my street,I rushed out of my apartment and locked the door behind me.As I hurried down the stairs I looked at the apartment below me but was suprised to see a couple of squatters hanging out Instead of the woman I usually see.A couple of them stared back at me,while others waved and I waved back but was little awkward.One squatter was fine but five? Our landlady was going to notice eventually.And I wasn't sure about all the locks in this place been shoddy.

Shaking my head as I exited the main door,I'd figure that out later.

I headed over to Jaden's black Porsche and slipped into the passenger's side.

"Hi," I greeted him.I noticed he was dressed in black jeans and button up.It must be his favorite type of outfit.

He turned to me"Aren't you afraid?"

"Of what?"

"Diseases"

I resist the urge of rolling my eyes,"I've been living here for a while and I'm okay and sure I will be fine."

Jaden seems disturbed "If you say so."

"Where do you live? I need an address to give Chloe incase you kidnap or rob me "

"Cute," he said and pulled into the street,"I live close by"

Close by? what was his idea of close by?Because he seems to think NYC was also close by.Hopefully I will not be longer in car with him again.

"Don't get offended" he said and I try as much as to brace myself because I knew what's coming next.

"But do you not have a sense of style or you can't afford one."

I shrugged,he got me there my clothing suck and even I knew that.Even I knew that "a little of both but in my defense my sense of style is expensive"

"If I give you extra money would you consider it as charity?"

"Most likely.I wouldn't accept it"

He nodded"I figureed you wouldn't even though you are working for me so I'm just paying you for services."

I cringed "Can you not say it like that? you make me sound like a prostitute.Being paid to date you is bad enough."

"If it's benefiting both of us,I don't see a problem.If you don't like the business comparison,I would use like a father giving to his child."

"Please don't "I interjected.I did not want that picture on my head."I can buy some stuffs with the money,you have already given me.Don't worry I won't buy from any chainstore clothing,maybe I did check express I really like their clothing but i couldn't afford it. " But to Jaden they were all the same as other chainstore clothing but whatever he didn't have to know where I bought it from as long as it looked good.

"My Dad will mostly like call,if he sees us on camera entering my house,so don't enter right away."

I waited for him to elaborate,and when he didn't,I turned toward him and narrowed my eyebrows"okay and that's suppose to sound weird?" why will your Dad be monitoring your life even to the extent of watching the cameras at your house? Is it your house or his house?

"It's my house,"he said sounding a little offended "I bought it myself.He can get into the security. "

"Why is he invading your privacy like that?"

"He's done it my whole life,that's why I need you,He control almost everything in my life but I don't want him to control my love life too."

I nodded because that was understandable. "You know you have to sign something to get legally married,right? Just don't sign it."

Jaden's lip curved up a little as if he found what I said funny."He has ways of making do what he wants.Right now,it's taking my house and car."

"You said your car and house is yours,he can't take them,If he does call the cops and sue him. "

"You don't know my Dad and you haven't met him,letting out a dry laugh.He can and will do anything he wants.He still owns the hotels.I could be cut off and kicked out."

"Yeah and then,you will have to do what everyone else is doing to work their way into good positions in the world," I immediately cut in.Jaden face fell flat.

"I'm sorry,I shouldn't have said that"

He shook his head "No worries I said many things that i shouldn't to you as well.We will both try our best."

"I just can't comprehend it".I told him, "How old are you? thirty?"

"I am twenty-five in age," I muttered "I don't even look close to thirty."

He narrowed his eyes while I shrugged "Still he shouldn't be interfering in your life,you are a young adult."

"You are scared shitless of him,aren't you? either that or of becoming penniless.Actually I am going to go for both if I was your Dad."

Jaden looked at me and said "Are you still getting to me about last night?"

I smiled a little "No I am just being blunt this time."

"Well,I am not afraid of becoming poor,I have been working since the age of fifteen and I know how to save and invest money."

I raised my eyebrow "you have worked at the hotel since when you ere fifteen?"

He nodded "My Father made me do odd jobs to make me learn the hotel better.Although till this day I don't know how washing of dishes will make me a better C.E.O."

"Understanding the workers?"I guessed.It was weird to imagine Jaden doing menial jobs like washing dishes.I just figured he did just graduated college and got whatever position he wanted.

Jaden made a noncommittal noise and pulled down a side street .I turned my attention out of the window and thought it was odd,they weren't any houses in the street until my eyes fell on the house at the furtherest edge of the cul-de-sac.I immediately knew it was Jaden's house.He seems like the type to want to be the only house on the street.

Amazingly it wasn't a gigantic mansion neither was it small but it looks like someone who had it owned money but it actually did seem modest.Most of the house stood two storey tall with the exception of one side that is one storey complemented by a jade gable roofing with a surrounding woods.

One thing it had that I was expecting was an iron gate surrounding the property,Jaden hit a button on the roof of his car the gate opened allowing us in.He drove down his driveway that was lined with cute little shrubs and came to stop right in front of the house and shut off the engine "unpretentious isn't it." he commented.

"if you over look the fact that a twenty-five years old bought this,then yes " I answered.The house was beautiful but I couldn't say much until I see the inside,he may also have a golden bathtub.

"Built,actually "he said and opened his door. "Stay seated I'll get your door for you."

My eyes widen"What? you built it?" I asked as soon as he pulled open my door.I allowed him to help me out of the car.I figure he was putting show for his Dad.

"Not by myself.I hired contractors of course but the design was my own wait until you see inside" he responded sounding proud of himself and little excited,"the whole back wall of the side are split in glass and overlooks the lake".Ah I knew there had to be something else.A lake.That. probably upped the property price by ten percent only."Do you have a boat?" I asked.

He looked at me like I was crazy "Of course,come here and pretend to look at this flowers"

I followed him to a few bushes of roses and some flowers.A few droplets of rain fell on my face and I wipe them off. "It's starting to rain again.when can we go inside?"

"Just a few moments,I have a feeling he is checking the camera periodically."

"That's creepy...inside the house too?"

"No camera inside just outside.But he can pull up all of our surveilance on his phone " he told me."I can too but I don't like how he have access to my house security" and sorry for making you stand outside the rain.

It's fine as long as it does not start down pouring."Are you the only one who lives here"I asked as I touched a petal from one of the flowers.

"Yes he answered" but he sounded stiff."Let's go inside now."

After unlocking the door,he gestured me to go in first,I did and my mouth open in awe,the second storey i realized was the ceiling that I saw from the driveway.A wide, metal,twisting staircase led down to the floor where a vast of the living room was set up then i realized I was on the second floor.Just as Jaden said the wall that faced the lake was boarded completely in glass from where I was standing I could see the water partially ripping in the rain.

"I like the airy feeling of high ceiling," Jaden said as he gently push me in to close the door.I also always wanted a place where you will see a floor below from a floor above.The bedrooms and bathrooms are on the floor if you follow the hall down.

I nodded trying to take in the place.we were standing on what it seemed like a wrap around balcony.There was a place where to hang coat what I assume to be a small closet.Then you could walk down the hall to the rooms while looking down at the sitting room.It was pretty awesome.

"Do you want to see my bedroom" Jaden asked in a sly smirk.

"Not necessary" I answered as I started toward the staircase.I wanted to go to the glass wall and look at the lake.

"Hey,take off your shoes"

I paused then look at my shoes,I removed them and brought them to the shoe rack and place them there.I couldn't help but smile at his organization,he also removed his shoes and escorted me back to the stairs.

"Your place is awesome I told him" as I rushed down the stairs,I nearly slipped because the floor was so smooth.I peeked behind to see Jaden smiling at himself and I found myself smiling too.He was pretty cute when he was proud.

"I am glad you like it.I don't to show it off to people often," he told me still smiling.

The room was furnished beautifully.It seems like the househad a theme of being open..especially with the forest around the house.There were also multiple plants scattered around the room some bigger than me.

"Your TV. is so big " I cried as I walked over to where it was hanged on the wall connecting to the glass.It was almost as tall as me.