AMANDA

I had informed my manager that I would be taking a vacation in our province. My boss is clearly taken aback. But he has no say over my rash decision.

"Are you sure about that, Amanda? Can't you be stopped?"

I laughed for a split second. "You'd think I'd never come back based on your tone,"

"Why, you sound like a widowed wife," he remarked.

"Don't worry, Daniel. I'll only be gone for a month," I gave him my assurance.

"Is there anything else I can help you with? Even if I regret turning down your commercial offered contract, I will respect your decision to take a break."

That's what I liked best about my manager. He never takes me for granted. He isn't only concerned with money. He is concerned about his talents.

"I appreciate it very much, Daniel,"

"My dear, you are always welcome. Amanda, you won't be hurt like this if you just accept my love for you. I can provide you with everything. You are aware of this. My name, my love, and my life," On the other end of the line, he said this in a hushed tone.

"Daniel... you're aware that I—"

"I understand, Amanda. Take care and have a safe journey." He let out a sigh and hung up the phone.

I don't want to hurt Daniel, who is a good friend of mine. Daniel has been very helpful to me, especially when I was just starting in the modeling industry.

***

THE SKY is foreshadowing heavy rain. And it is dark everywhere.

I'm shivering and terrified already. What causes the road's narrowness and bumpiness?

I want to blame the high officials in charge of this region in some way. Why are they making so many promises while still running for the position, but it appears that the promises they made to the people have been forgotten now that they are in power? Where's the citizen's tax gone? When was the last time I visited this province? It had been eight years. The path has not been fixed yet, and if fate is playful, the traveler will undoubtedly die in the cliff.

I pulled out my phone. I'm going to call my father and let him know that I might not be able to make it to the Hacienda Alejandro today. My father is probably hoping that I will be able to return today. Before I could even open my phone, it died.

Damn. How could I have forgotten to bring my charger cord with me when I left the townhouse?

I screamed and threw my cellphone in the passenger seat.

The sky is completely dark. It felt like night, even though it was only five o'clock in the afternoon. Perhaps I'll just look for an inn to stay at for the day. I'll continue my journey tomorrow.

My father told me that someone would fetch me. But what now? I have my doubts!

The weather isn't on our side. I parked my car in the inn's parking. Soon after, heavy rain began to fall. I felt a sense of relief.

I entered the inn, but a firm grip grabbed my arm before I could approach the receptionist. In shock, I exclaimed and raised my head. "Who are you—"

The words I was about to say stuck in my throat.

For a brief moment, my breathing came to a halt. The world's rotation appears to have slowed, which explains why, this man is oozing with sex appeal! Although his brow furrowed, and he seemed to have a gruff demeanor, I know he scanned my entire appearance. And the way he looked at me as if I were edible prey sent shivers down my spine. This man...

"What took you so long, Amanda?" His voice is dangerous, and I winced as he tightened his grip on my arm.

When I heard his familiar voice, I was taken aback. I focused my attention on him.

I exclaimed. "N-Nikolai..."

I yanked away from him, yanking my arm away from him. "How did you find out I'm here?" In a cocky tone, I asked.

Nikola's teeth clenched. "Your father told me that you were coming home today. I offered to take fetch you from town. And I expected you to arrive promptly at five o'clock,"

"I never said you had to pick me up!" I yelled angrily.

"You've made me worried. The road is too dark, and heavy rain is forecast. I'm curious as to why it's taking you so long," His tone softened this time.

I laughed sarcastically. "Oh my God, thank you so much for being concerned about me! And if darkness fell upon me, it wasn't my fault because the road refused to cooperate!"

"That's a different story. Your father forgot to warn you that the old road is already dangerous. There's a new stretch of open road here. I'm sure you're not aware of it. And if you had left early in the morning, we are already now at the Hacienda Alejandro. But I understand that these are not late hours for you. What should I expect? We haven't heard from you since you left because your job in the city is your priority. I was even concerned that you wouldn't show up," He said.

He led me into the inn. "Two bedrooms," he said to the front desk.

"Sorry, Sir and Ma'am, but there is only one available room. There are also a lot of travelers here today due to the bad weather,"

"That'll do," he said. He drew me upstairs and signed in the logbook.

"Are you insane? Are you now deaf now? Did you not hear what the lady said? There is only one room left here. If you're tired, just leave me here in the lobby,"

"What kind of mind do you have, Amanda? The weather has turned cold and unfavorable. What kind of man am I if I leave you alone in the lobby? Think, Amanda. Think. What will people think of me?" He looks so mad.

I can't help but feel humiliated by what he'd said. "Are you sure we'll be in the same room?"

Nikolai remained silent and seemed to be losing patience with me. He led me to a vacant room.

"Get inside,"

I screamed, disgusted by his power over me. Nikolai can never change. He thinks of himself as the law now and then. I despise his guts so much!

"No," I said firmly. "I'm not going to that room with you!"

He makes a tsk sound. "Did you think I like this idea too?" His tone becomes sarcastic. He examined me from head to toe, his gaze drawn to my breast. "I will never dare to touch you. I'm sure you have a lot of men—"My palm landed on his face before he could finish his sentence.

"Don't do it again, or you'll be sorry," he warned. His jaw clenched.

I'm at a loss for words.

I couldn't think of anything to say.

Nikolai walked past me and sat on the bed's side. "Don't be concerned. We'll return to Hacienda Alejandro first thing in the morning tomorrow. Can we please take a break now?" He looks so pissed.

I bite my lower lip due to intense frustration.