Chapter 2

• After an hour at Scarlett's condo.
• "What? He blocked your credit cards?!" She exclaimed, widening her eyes.
• Oh, no. No, no. This can not be happening. She had always wanted to lead a rich life and if Christian's father was the one who makes the rules and controls his son's life, then all her dreams of living like a Queen would be shattered and she cannot compromise that. He doesn't even have any savings or a job.
• She scoffed in her thoughts. He is living off of his father's wealth. Someone like him can never be successful. Scarlett's trail of thoughts stopped when she heard Christian's voice.
• "Is Layla at home?" Christian asked.
• "Yes, she is." She answered, her mind still on what he had told her. "Why are you asking about her?"
• "Because I don't want her to hear any of this." He told Scarlett. It would be so embarrassing knowing someone was hearing him say all this.
• "Don't worry about her. I told her not to leave her room since you are here. She can be so annoying." Scarlett scoffed.
• Layla was Scarlett's younger sister. A 16-year-old girl who has a big crush on Christian. Layla, at the age of 16, was still navigating the tumultuous waters of adolescence. Braces adorned her teeth, and while she may have been a bit shy, her vibrant hazel eyes revealed a world of curiosity within. She was a budding bookworm, often disappearing into the realms of novels to escape the ordinary.
• "Why?" Christian almost laughed.
• "I can't bear you looking at her face. She is too ugly with those braces." Scarlett rolled her eyes.
• "I don't care if she is an ugly duckling as long as she is your sister." Christian said and then clutched Scarlett's hands.
• Scarlett smiled, removing her hand from his grip. "What are you going to do about your father?"
• "Nothing. Just nothing as long as he opens my credit cards." He replied nonchalantly.
• "But what about the CEO position?" She inquired.
• "I don't care about it. My father remains the CEO until he dies and I don't think he will be dying anytime soon."
• 'What a bastard!' Scarlett thought. What if his father decides to block his credit cards again?!
• She sighed. "Guess, you are free to make decisions for yourself." She said,
• "That's why I love you. You understand me." He kissed her on the lips.
• She stood up from the couch and looked down at him. "I'll go prepare something for you to eat."
• 'Only if he isn't so handsome and good in bed. I would have…' she groaned under breath as she walked into the kitchen.
• Well, he is also the one paying for this condo. I can't continue living like this with him. I thought he was some big shot.
• Christian was on his phone when a pillow hit him. He frowned, looking up, only to see it was Layla.
• A young girl with chestnut hair and a pair of oversized glasses.
• Her cheeks flushed pink when Christian acknowledged her, and for a moment, her heart fluttered like a trapped bird.
• "I thought I told you to stop calling me an ugly duckling." Layla frowned, arms crossed.
• "Were you eavesdropping on our conversation?" Christian questioned, eyes widening.
• "Oh, yes, about the part where your dad blocked your credit cards…" Layla trailed off, laughing, enjoying the expression on Christian's face. He was just too handsome.
• Sky blue eyes like that of the clouds, jet black hair and a chiselled jawline.
• Her eyes widened when he stood up and took slow, threatening steps towards her.
• "What…what are you doing?" She stammered, moving backwards till her back hit the wall.
• He leaned down, bringing his gorgeous face close to hers, and for a moment there, she forgot how to breathe.
• Black ink covered the left side of his neck. Warmth rushed through the pit of her stomach and spread through her like wildfire.
• "I think you should stop listening to me and your sister's conversation, ugly duckling." Very carefully, he adjusted her eyeglass, and her cheeks reddened.
• "W…what did you just call me?" Layla asked in a hoarse voice. Why did she have to say anything?
• "It's not nice when people eavesdrop on private conversations, is it, ugly duckling?"
• "Stop calling me that." She frowned.
• "Uh, I won't." He said, straightening up and stepping back.
• "I'm going to prepare some pasta," Scarlett said, and Layla jumped at the unexpected sound of her voice, emitting a high-pitched shriek.
• "You frightened me." Layla said angrily.
• "Well, this is my house." Scarlett replied. "Baby, come let's watch a movie on Netflix."
• "Is ugly duckling going to join us?" Christian asked, smiling. He loves it when he teases her.
• "I told you to stop calling me that." Layla glared at him.
• "Well, he's right. You're fat and ugly."
• Layla's face exploded, popping bright red with burning embarrassment. She fought tears, not wanting Scarlett to see how much she had upset her. How could she say that in front of Christian?
• "Scarlett, don't be cruel. She is not that fat." Christian said, and Layla smiled at how he came to her defence.
• "You're making her get the idea you might like her if you keep defending her." Scarlett said, walking towards Christian. She thread her fingers through his.
• Christian scoffed, "What do you mean?"
• "Well, Layla has a…" she paused.
• Layla shook her head, telling her not to say it.
• 'Please don't say it. Please.' She pleaded with her eyes.
• But Scarlett ignored her and continued. "Layla has a huge crush on you."
• Christian laughed, then paused, when he realised she was speaking the truth.
• "Oh," he was speechless. Well, he was her sister's boyfriend so…
• He turned to Layla. "You're like a little sister to me, ugly duckling." He patted the top of her head, and disappointment filled her. She knew he didn't like her but it hurts to hear him saying so. "And moreover I'm your sister's boyfriend. I can't say I feel the same way about you."
• Her feelings can never be returned.
• Layla forced a smile. "I know." She said and left for her room.
• "She is so pathetic." Scarlett rolled her eyes. "Anyways, I have to ask you something."
• He raised a brow. "What is it, my love?"
• "When are you going to introduce me to your father?"