《The Brother Who Hates Me》


 Chapter 1 I Don’t Want a Sister

    "We tried our best to revive them both. I am sorry there''s nothing else we can do." The doctor said sympathetically.


    Senior Choi looked at the little girl who is sleeping at her nanny''sp.


    What a heartrending fate for such a young age to lose both her parents.


    His heart ached so much for the little girl who is now suddenly awake. He walked and sits beside her.


    The little girl who was about three years old now held his hand and smiled. "Hello." She greeted him lovingly.


    "Raven, you see mama and papa went to a beautiful ce already and will not be able to return for now. But, they asked me to take good care of you from today onwards. So from now on you call me father. Okay?"


    The little girl obediently nodded and said "Father¡­" She is still yawning. Senior Choi picked up the little girl and cuddled her as tears fell from his eyes.


    -----------


    "No! I don''t want a sister!" Jordan was mad as he yelled at his father.


    Senior Choi released a deep signed. He thought his boy likes the little girl Raven. She was the daughter of his closest friend who was almost a brother to him. He was also Raven''s Godfather.


    He even remembered that his son loved to y with the girl whenever his friend David will go to his Ancestral House. David will always bring his little girl with him.


    ''What''s wrong with his kid now?'' Jordan was firmed with his rejection to have Raven as her sister.


    Raven''s parent suddenly met an ident and was dered dead upon their arrival at the hospital.


    Senior Choi made all the arrangements for the funeral.


    The little girl was totally abandoned. Even the rtives of the girl would just prefer to send her at an orphanage. No one would like to take the burden to raise the child.


    After everything was settled, he decided that he will adopt Raven as her daughter.


    He would like to raise the little girl as his own and since he does not have any other child than Jordan alone, it would be great to add one more in the family.


    Besides, she was the daughter of David and he will not let anything happened to the girl. He will definitely give her a good future.


    But of course, he has to bring up the matter first to his only son Jordan who is now thirteen years old.


    He was so shocked on the negative reaction of his son when he told him that he wanted to adopt Raven legally as his daughter.


    "Son, please understand. Who will take care of little Raven. You also like her don''t you? She''s an orphan now. She''s so pitiful and helpless right now?" Senior Choi begged his son.


    Jordan who now seemed to be moved by his father''s words answered. "Alright, you can raise her, provide whatever she needs but never officially adopt her. I told you I don''t want a sister. If you still insist to adopt her and change her surname to ours then you should forsake me instead."


    Jordan''s warning was intimidating as he left his father alone.


    Senior Choi: "...¡­"


    Raven together with Nanny Rong were picked-up by Senior Choi''s driver. They arrived the Choi''s Ancestral House almost noontime.


    Outside, the maids weed and greeted them. Raven saw Senior Choi at the door waiting. She immediately runs to him. Thetter picked her up and cuddled her.


    "Raven this will be your new home. Do you like it?" The little girl nodded at Senior Choi then smiled.


    Jordan just stayed quietly while he observed his father enthusiastically showing the little girl every corner of their house. ''Look at that Old Man, so very happy that his smile almost reached his ears and hisugh almost can be heard outside the mansion!''


    Then he looked at the little girl, he also liked Raven. The little girl loves to y with him whenever David will visit his father with her.


    He was actually not against for Raven to stay at their house, its okay with him that they will be the one to provide her everything.


    It''s just that he was notfortable with the idea of her being his sister at all. He even cannot understand himself why he was so against for legal adoption.


    ---------------------------


    THREE YEARS HAVE PASSED¡­


    Raven is now six years old and was about to enter primary school.


    "Are you excited for school? Let''s just wait for your brother." said Senior Choi.


    "Okay father." Raven answered excitedly. She will attend the same school as his brother Jordan who was at the secondary level.


    She greeted Jordan as soon as he went inside the car. Jordan half smiled at her and sits silently.


    "Jordan you should assist Raven. This is her first day at school. Take good care of her. Understand?" instructed by Senior Choi as he gazed at his son.


    He is really having a hard time to read the actions of his son. At most of the time he was nonchnt. Jordan just nodded at him.


    Senior Choi apanied Raven up to the gate of the school. "Don''t be nervous alright and you should make a lot of friends." Raven kissed the Old Man in the cheeks before leaving.


    Senior Choi looked at Jordan as if asking him to do the same.


    Jordan brows creased. "We are going now. Bye Dad." He just turned his back and started to walk. Then he suddenly stopped to look at Raven. "Let''s go."


    Senior Choi: "...¡­."


    Raven followed Jordan as he walked. "Big Brother, wait for me." She ran to catch up with him but bumped at the back of Jordan as he stopped.


    He turned around and looked intently at her. "Don''t ever call me Big Brother understand? I am not your brother!"


    "But you are my brother. What am I suppose to call you with" Raven''s lips curled.


    Jordan pinched her both cheeks. "Just call me Jordan. If you call me brother once again I will never talk to you again." He said seriously as he stared at the girl.

 Chapter 2 She Will Never Become My Sister

    Raven was excited as she carefully chooses a gift for Jordan on his graduation day. Although it is challenging for her since Jordan almost got everything.


    In the end, she decided to buy him various neckties since he will be entering now one of the biggestpanies in their country, a multinational conglomerate. Over the next two decades, the group diversified and entered the electronic industry, construction and shipbuilding industries. These areas had driven its subsequent growth.


    Thepany has increasingly globalised its activities and electronics; in particr, its mobile phones and semiconductors have be its most important source of ie.


    Thatpany was founded by Senior Choi, her foster father.


    Yes, she''s a foster child and she was grateful that Senior Choi was her foster father. He treated her well like his own daughter. Even well than Jordan and that was probably why Jordan hates her at most of the time.


    She came to know the truth when she was six years old. Jordan doesn''t want to be called brother at all and clearly stated that she was not his sister.


    As she grew up, she gradually understands the situation by the help of Nanny Rong.


    She promised to herself that she will return all the kindness and mercy of Senior Choi. She will be a good daughter to him and also a good sister to Jordan as well.


    All she did was to act normal like a daughter and a little sister to Jordan, carefree, easygoing, fun-loving, affectionate and sociable and she do like to make themugh. Jordan was always there protecting her from the bullies at school.


    Everything actually went well these past few years.


    Buttely, she felt Jordan became aloof to her and she actually don''t know why.


    He rarely talks to her now. She can''t remember exactly when it started but she was sure something was wrong.


    She even recalled all events through her mind to double check if she had done something to displease him. But there''s none.


    Upon her arrival at the house she just greeted and kissed her father. Then she hurriedly went upstairs to her room. She got her sewing kit she was using at school. They were also teaching them how to stitch properly at school and she was actually good at it.


    She bought twelve neckties and stitch Jordan''s initials beautifully in each bottom.


    The ancestral House was very lively where the party was held for Jordan''s graduation.


    It was a grand party and all guests from all high society were wearing formal attires.


    They all wanted to greet the only son of Senior Choi, heir to one of the most powerfulpany in the country.


    Nanny Rong helped Raven to zip her dress for the party. She wore a halter high-neck long formal dress and mesh ovey in blush pink with double slits that emphasize her creamy smooth skin and slender body.


    At the age of twelve, she can stand-out already among others because of her good physique and beautiful face. She was often teased by her ssmates pertaining to a well-known figure of speech and a snippet of 17th-century poetry that refers to Helen of Troy. ''The face thatunched a thousand ships''


    She just applied a face powder and a lip balm. Nanny Rong stared at her after fixing her hair upward in a neat bun. "Wow, my child is really gorgeous. How much more you will be when you reach the right age of being a woman." Eximed Nanny Rong as she admired Raven''s pretty face.


    At the party, her father called her to introduce to some friends. It was known to others that she was a foster child but it was not a big deal at all. Besides, her real father David had a good reputation as a reliable Attorney in the country as he was also the former head of legal counsel for Senior Choi''s group that time.


    When she saw Jordan was already alone, she excused herself from her father to walk towards Jordan.


    "Hello. Congrattions." She handed him her gift and gave him a hug.


    She was about to kiss him on the cheek when he suddenly moved backwards and just smiled at her. "Thank You." He said and immediately went to entertain the visitors.


    "You are wee." Raven''s face was crumpled as she said that in thin air.


    She just focused on the food and eats to her heart''s content.


    "Slow down my little Raven." Senior Choi sat besides her grinning. Raven rolled her eyes. "Father I am not little anymore. Can''t you see how tall I am now?" Sheined while she continues eating.


    "You will always be my little Raven regardless of how big you will be." Senior Choi humorously said pertaining to her eating a lot right now.


    "What''s wrong why are you so worked up with the food? Can you even finish all that?" The old man said pointing his nose at the tes on the table with various desserts and heavy meals.


    "Hmmmp, I will still be pretty even I got bigger." She just blurted out while continuously eating the cake. Senior Choi justughs. He will not beg to disagree on that.


    Raven was on her way to the nearest restroom in the garden when she suddenly stopped.


    She heard a group of people talking near the restroom. It''s Jordan with his male friends. Raven was about to leave just to go upstairs and to use another restroom when she heard her name was mentioned in their conversation. So she stood still.


    "Hey Jordan, your so called sister was really cute." The man said, who is Larry one of Jordan''s ssmate.


    "Yeah, I bet she''ll be more beautiful when she''s a full grown-up. Five to eight years from now? I heard she'' just twelve. Can I court her when that timees?" Chen jokingly said as he looked teasingly at Jordan.


    "Oh right, you should agree for your father to adopt her legally so I can also ask my mom to arrange my marriage to her in the future. You know how strict my mom is when ites to birth rights." added Chen still grinning.


    "Shut up both of you! She will never be my sister and I will never allow that to happen!" Jordan said seriously in an angry tone.


    Raven who got upset upon hearing Jordan''s word ran away upstairs to lock herself in her room. Tears were flowing from her eyes. ''Why does Jordan hated her that much?''

 Chapter 3 Admission Letter

    "My child! The letter is here!" Nanny Rong excitedly announced while she rushed to the garden.


    Raven was ying chess with her father when Nanny Rong handed her the letter. Senior Choi looked at his little Raven who at that time seemed to be oblivious and just stared at the letter.


    "Come quick and opened it." Nanny Rong said impatiently.


    "Give it to me and I will read it first. Looks like our little Raven can''t handle the suspense." Senior Choi slightlyughs still looking at the girl. ''His little Raven looked tense.''


    Nanny Rong immediately passed out the letter to Senior Choi while Raven still not said a word and just observed her father opening the letter. Senior Choi read it quietly.


    "Old Master is it good news?" asked restlessly by Nanny wrong who looked more eager.


    Senior Choi showed an exasperating face. Nanny wrong twitched her mouth. "Old Master is it bad news then?" Nanny wrong asked again while holding her breath.


    Senior Choi in silence begun to speak.


    "As I''ve told you before little Raven, there''s so many good schools here in our country. You don''t have to study abroad. Why even bother yourself and choose to leave an old man here behind?" Senior Choi looked intently at his little Raven.


    It''s true that he preferred her to stay here with him. He can''t count on how many times he tried to discourage her to study abroad when she opened up her intention to him. Little Raven would like to pursue her study to at the top world-ss university.


    She wanted to be independent, that is four to five years staying on a country by her own. But still he did not disagree, as he wanted little Raven to do what she thinks is good for her future. Whatever her decisions are, he will always support her little Raven.


    After seeing his father''s expression and hearing hisments, Raven''s shoulders dropped assuming that she was not epted.


    Senior Choi suddenly blurted out.


    "Nanny Rong, who do you think little Raven is? My little Raven of course passed. This letter is confirming her admission to the university." Nanny Rong''s mouth was wide opened as she shook her head. The Old Master is still as naughty as ever. Then she looked at Raven who jumped up on her feet now to approach Senior Choi.


    "Really father is that not another joke? Let me see!" Raven scanned the letter and suddenly hugged Senior Choi as tight as she can.


    "I passed! Yeyyy! I made it!" She almost choked her father.


    "Yeah you did it little Raven but please don''t kill me until I have seen you get married and have kids." Senior Choi jokingly said as he faked a coughing sound of choking.


    Raven was so happy. This was her dream university since junior high.


    "We have to celebrate then. What do you want to do little Raven?"


    "I''ll treat you for dinner father tonight. What would you like to eat?" Raven asked Senior Choi happily.


    "Nanny Rong, call Jordan. Tell him to clear his schedule and that little Raven will treat us to dinner tonight."


    Raven almost forgot about Jordan. Well, it would be better if Jordan could make it.


    She can''t help but frowned a bit, ever since Jordan started working at thepany, she barely sees him at home. Or most of the time, he wille home veryte that all people in the house were already sleeping soundly.


    It''s been five years...


    Being close with him as a brother became very difficult since Jordan became so busy at thepany and she hasn''t got the chance to show him her sincerity at all.


    But she does really try to pacify his hate towards her. She believes Jordan might have thought of her as apetitor for thepany or father''s wealth. Although her first love is to study about Business Administration and get involved in thepany just to help her father and Jordan but nothing more.


    In the end she chose to apply for her second choice, Film and Visual Studies, to avoid any misunderstanding.


    Whenever they will see or run through each other, they would just casually say their greetings.


    Things just get awkward between them. Or maybe at her side since she knew he hates her.


    Senior Choi, chose his favorite dine in ce, a well known restaurant at the garden. The ambience is very cozy and good.


    ''Thank goodness she saved a lot from her allowances.'' Raven thought as she scans the prices. Senior Choi gave her an unlimited card to be used and her own savings ount. But Raven never really spend that much. She still keeps a low profile. She just buys what she usually needs and avoids spending on things that she wants but unnecessary.


    The food is about to be served, when a tall man in a suite entered. Although in a suit, you can still see how masculine the man was. He had a proud and very eye catching aura. In short, he looks striking wherever he is and you will easily recognize his presence.


    "Herees my workaholic kin."


    Raven looked at Jordan who walks dignified towards them. She has


    "There, you sit beside Raven." Senior waved to Jordan. Thetter obeyed. She Senior Choi looked at them carefully then smiled with the satisfaction.


    "Raven will treat us since she''s been epted to her chosen college school abroad." Senior Choi continued.


    "I see, that''s good. Congrattions. When do you n to leave?" Jordan asked her.


    Raven: "..?...."


    ''What the heck? Of all the questions, why asked her when she will leave? Does he wants me to leave as early as possible to get me out of his sight sooner?'' Raven would like to bet that Jordan would even celebrate on his own when she already left the country.


    "I will be leaving one month before the ss starts. So I can familiarize myself first." She replied and looked at him as he carefully cut his steak.


    When he heard no response Raven looked at Senior Choi and said, "Father I will be going to a trip this summer with my closed friends to celebrate. It''s a four days stay. Would you like toe with me?" Raven asked while looking at Senior Choi then she shifted her gaze to Jordan.


    "It would be great if you can join us. Getting stuck up in the office most of the time is not good to your health. You should unwind sometime." Raven told him sincerely.


    "Okay I will try." Then he suddenly exchanged their te and gave her his steak instead.


    "Take mine, you like it well done right. Mine was well done. I''ll take yours. It looks just a medium cooked to me. I want mine that way."


    Senior Choi who is just observing his son gave a meaningful grin as he cut his own steak¡­


    ''This brat doesn''t even care or bother to help cut a steak for his own old man.''

 Chapter 4 Beach Vacation - Day 1 sI told you not to let them stay up lates

    Raven, Nanny Rong and Senior Choi headed at the airport. Jordan had an important meeting so he can''t fly together with them.


    After an hour the nended. Chad was already waiting for them at the greeting area.


    Raven already mentioned to Senior Choi that they will stay at the beach vi owned by of one of her friends.


    Chad approached them with a big smile. He extended his hand to Senior Choi and Nanny Rong. "Hello Sir I am Chad.Hi Ms.Rong." Senior Choi epted the young man''s hand.


    Senior Choi nudged Nanny Rong who was still mesmerized by the young boy''s handsome face.


    Ravenughed. "Father, Chad was one of my closest friends at school. He suggested that we stay at his family''s beach vi. He''s our host for four days."


    Senior Choi and Nanny Rong looked at each other. The same thought was roaming in their minds.


    They arrived at the vi and met her other friends, Yan and Sheena.


    It''s a private luxury vi on Lain Ind and the white sand beach at front is very captivating. A pool is also avable. The vi had ten bedrooms.


    Chad showed each of them their respective rooms.


    "Oh you must be tired with the travel. You should settled in and rest for a while." Chad said before shifting his gaze to Raven. "I''ll see youter."


    Raven and Nanny Rong assist Senior Choi first in his room.


    "Little Raven, is Chad your boyfriend? Are you hiding something from us?" Raven rolled her eyes before answering.


    "Father, he is just a close friend of mine like Sheena and Yan." Hera said while arranging Senior Choi''s clothes inside the closet.


    "Why do I met him only now? You were bringing Sheena and Shay in the mansion but not him besides, you never mentioned him before." Nanny Rong was continuously shooting her with her gazes.


    Ravenughed. "Stop it you two. I told you already we are all friends. I won''t get into a rtionship yet and have never thought of that. Don''t worry okay. You two will be the first to know once I decided to have a boyfriend."


    Raven never thought of anything like that. She was too focused in her studies that she didn''t even entertain any of her suitors. She was direct and never let them to distract her. Every confession she received previously was turned down automatically.


    Their itinerary for four days was already set. Today after resting, they will have a barbecue dinner party.


    At night they all gathered outside. Chad had everything prepared. Senior Choi and Nanny Rong were not convinced with Raven''s statement and intently monitoring the interactions of the two.


    Chad seemed to be a good boy. Senior Choi as a man can easily tell that the boy had his eyes on her little Raven. ''Who wouldn''t be?''


    Then he thought of Jordan. ''Where the hell is that brat?''


    "Nanny Rong, you check on Jordan and ask when he ising. Give him the details of this vi." Senior Choi instructed Nanny Rong.


    "Oh yeah get my mobile phone inside the room.I will take some photos of Raven with her friends. There are some great views in here." Senior Choi grinned as an idea came to his mind.


    "Father what do you want me to grill for you?" Raven asked as he approached her father who was just observing them.


    "Anything is okay with me little Raven." Senior Choi smiled at her as he patted her head. "You will be on your own for several years. We will not see each other more often by then." Senior Choi''s eyes suddenly saddened when he suddenly thought of Raven''s leaving.


    Raven held Senior Choi''s hand. "Father I will being home during school breaks and we can talk every day via video call I promised." Raven winked at her father.


    Chad walked towards them with a te of various barbecue foods in his hand. "Sir, I''m not sure what you preferred so I put a variety here to choose from." Chad smiled at Senior Choi and put the te on the table beside him.


    ''The boy knows how to woo. Not bad at all.''


    The dinner was good. Sheena and Shay took out the alcoholic drinks as they n to get drunk the whole night.


    Senior Choi shook his head."Nanny Rong, how nice it is to be young again." He was happy looking at her little Raven who was enjoying the bonfire while drinking with her friends. The group sat around the fire and talked about the crazy, funny and wild stories of things that happened in their past years.


    Nanny Rong and him just listened on afortable chair opposite the kids.


    Senior Choi noticed that the boy Chad was always attentive to Ravenpared with the other two girls. He always stayed beside his little Raven.


    Once again, Senior Choi took his mobile phone and gets another shot. This one was better as he smirk. In the picture, the boy Chad stared at Raven closely with full of admiration.


    He already sent several photos and he received no response. Let''s just see how long you canst brat. Senior Choi let out a cleverugh.


    Nanny Rong at his side: "....?" ''Crazy old man.''


    Jordan''s important meeting finished at about seven o''clock in the evening.


    "Sir your flight tomorrow morning is at seven thirty. All your things were ready. Where would like to eat dinner tonight?" His assistant asked him.


    Jordan is now checking his phone when various photos sent by his father popped out. His face frowned as he read his father''s message with thest picture.


    [Son, I think this guy is a suitable boyfriend for our little Raven. He seemed to be a good boy. He was very attentive and sweet to our little Raven.]


    "Lou change it. I will leave tonight. Book me the next flight now." Lou quickly obeyed sensing the irritation on his Boss'' voice.


    [Stop your nonsense and act your age. Don''t let the kids to stay up toote!]


    Jordan replied to his father.


    Senior Choi: "...."


    He did not bother his self with Jordan''s reply and just let Raven and her friends enjoyed the night.


    "Raven, I think you had enough. Look at your face it''s so red." Chad said with concerned tone. Raven almost had three bottles.


    "Hey Chad why are you just concerning yourself with Raven. How about us?" Yan jokingly said while she pointed at Sheena who was still ying with her guitar while singing.


    Chad smile shyly.


    He liked Raven ever since they met and do loved her in secret as they got closer and became friends. He just doesn''t have the courage to confess yet because he was afraid to lose Raven.


    He witnessed what had happened to all the boys who tried to court her.


    For now, he''s contented being near her.


    But he will absolutely confess his feeling when the right timees.


    Raven was now singing with Sheena. She attempted to get-up to dance but loose her bnce. Chad immediately caught her and helps her up.


    They didn''t noticed a tall man that looked gloomy as he walked towards them.


    "Move!" Jordan ordered Chad as he pulled Raven away from Chad''s arms. Jordan lifted her up and carried her in his arms. All were stunned as they looked at Jordan except for Senior Choi.


    "Son, you''re here early I thought your flight is tomorrow morning." Jordan stopped and looked at his father.


    "I told you not to let them stayed up toote." Jordan looked at his father as if giving him a lecture before walking straight inside.


    Nanny Rong looked at her watch and raised an eyebrow. ''It''s just past ten in the evening. Is that consideredte now?''


    She shook her head as she quickly followed Jordan to show the way on Raven''s room.

 Chapter 5 Beach Vacation - Day 2 sHate Me As Much As He Wantss

    "I got this Nanny Rong. You can leave."


    Jordan said after Nanny Rong opened Raven''s room. Thetter nodded and left.


    Raven wearily opened her eyes and saw Jordan who was gently putting her down on the bed. Feeling dizzy and sleepy she once again closed her heavy eyelids.


    Jordan stared at Raven who was sound asleep.


    The girl was indeed very pretty, with her long curly eyshes, prominent eyebrows, pointed nose and pouty red lips.


    Her cheeks were glowing and reddish due to being drunk. Jordan touched her cheek as he slowly bowed down to kiss it. Then he shifted his gaze to her inviting lips.


    Just looking at it seemed to be not enough. He no longer controls his self and kissed her.


    At first, he only intended to give Raven a peck on the lips, a goodnight kiss. However, Raven opened her sealed lips which drove him crazy. He deepened the kiss which was full of intense emotion and passion.


    Jordan was stopped when he heard a screeching sound at the door. It''s opened a little. ''Crap! haven''t Ipletely closed it?''


    Jordan who was now about to get-up once again looked at Raven but suddenly froze.


    Raven''s eyes opened. She raised both her hands and held his face to look intently at it. Then she pinched and stretched Jordan''s cheeks left and right and smirked crazily.


    "Huh? Woahhh. What a nice dream! I should add a p instead. Hehe" She said unconsciously before shutting her eyes one more time and fell in a deep sleep.


    Jordan released a deep sighed before getting up. "Goodnight little Raven."


    The next morning, Raven''s head was aching.


    ''Howe my tolerance was not that good? I practically finished just two bottles.''


    She heard a knock at the door. "Yeah,e in." It was Nanny Rong with a cup of hangover tea.


    "My child, drink this to help with your headache. Breakfast was ready." Nanny Rong said as she ced the cup in her bedside table.


    "Okay, I''ll get down shortly. Thanks." She smiled and winked at the olddy.


    Raven hurriedly took a shower and dressed up for her swim wear already putting just a top of a tube summer dress she can easily take off at any time.


    She was too excited for a dip into the crystal beach just at the front of the vi.


    "Hey girl how''s your head?" Sheena asked. The two girls were sitting at the dine-in area ready for breakfast. Chad and his father were also there chatting.


    "Morning father. Chad." She greeted smilingly and kissed Senior Choi''s cheek before sitting. "Nanny Rong tea''s done an amazing job. Let''s go swim after this."


    "Oh yeah father, will Jordan arrive today?" Raven asked after remembering that Jordan''s flight was today morning.


    Senior Choi raised an eyebrow. "Don''t you remember what happenedst night?"


    Howe his little Raven was so ignorant on something so obvious?


    Senior Choi shook his head and justified things since Raven was just seventeen...


    Raven was about to ask again but stopped when she saw Jordan walking towards them in a casual outfit of just loose shirt paired with a beach short.


    "So hot!" She heard Yan beside her whispered. The two girls giggled. Raven remained silent as she can''t beg to disagree to Yan.


    "Shhh, you two behaved okay you know how prim and proper that one is." Raven recalled that one time when they were watching a movie of their favorite male group at their house, they often screamed whenever the scenes will be focused on the faces of their crushes.


    They did not notice Jordan was around also and heard him annoyingly spoke before leaving."Howe girls these days are too bold and loud?"


    Yan and Sheena looked at each other almost forgot that incident, chose to stay quiet instantly and eat instead.


    The girls rushed at the beachfront after breakfast.


    Raven took off her top. "Wow so sexy!!!" Yan was wide eyed as she searched her body. "How dare you possess a body like that at seventeen? Do you want to make us look like a backdrop?" Sheena jokingly said.


    Raven justughed and struck a pose while Yan took various shots. She wore a yellow swimsuit in a sizzlingce-up one-piece in the front and a bikini in the back.


    Inside the vi, Jordan was examining Chad who was busy instructing the helper to bring fruits, snacks and beverages to the girls outside.


    The boy was definitely good looking and although still young, at eighteen he was well built.


    "So did he pass???" Senior Choi on the other hand was also observing his son who was still busy scrutinizing Chad.


    Jacob was startled and just ignored Senior Choi. Instead, he followed Chad who helped in bringing the foods outside.


    The boy took off his shirt before leaving and just retained his beach short.


    Jordan did the same as he walked behind Chad.


    ''What the hell is wrong with this brat? Competing with a teenager?'' Senior Choi thought while he did the same thing like his son, just the following and walking behind.


    --- Nanny Rong somewhat disappointed: "..."


    ''I thought Old Master will take off his shirt too.'' ---


    The three girls are currently ying beach ball when Sheena suddenly paused.


    "Holy cow!!! When did Chad obtained that abs?" Sheena in wide eyes.


    "Yeah right. But I''m willing to be stranded in an ind just having Jordan to apany me. So yummy!!!" Yan was drooling while staring at Jordan who was behind Chad.


    Ravenughed so hard at her two friends.


    "Well, the best looking guy for me and most macho among all is definitely thatst one walking." Raven dered as she saw Senior Choi behind Jordan.


    The girlsughed in unison.


    "Oh right Raven, I guess you are really right that Jordan doesn''t like you." Sheena blurted out changing the topic.


    Raven looked at her with inquiring eyes.


    "Chad introduced himselfst night to Jordan as something like this. - Hi, I''m Chad and you must be Raven''s brother...-"


    Yan interrupted copying Jordan''s voice and gloomy face.


    "Oh right. I heard that too. Jordan answered like this. -Who told you I''m her brother? She''s not my sister and we''re not rted at all!-"


    The two told what exactly happenedst night from the time she was drunk.


    Raven frowned and felt bitter.


    "Why would I care or even bother with him. Hate me as much as he wants. So what? I''ve done nothing wrong."


    It''s good that she''ll be leaving soon and will not see that sour face of Jordan for years!


    Raven went out of the beach and walked to Chad. "Hey what''s wrong? Are you okay?" She said seeing Chad just stared at her without blinking.


    "Oh yeah, I thought I saw a Goddess. You need anything?" Chad smiled.


    This guy loved to banter around and she''s used to it. She just pped his shoulder andughed.


    "Stop that, Mr. Hunk and give me one bottle of soda!" She''s stillughing when she moved to sit on a beach chair but suddenly bumped into Jordan.

 Chapter 6 Beach Vacation - Day 3 sCan you at least be stricter?s

    "Oops sorry..." Raven said and do not even bother to look at Jordan as she sat on the beach chair.


    She grabbed a snack instead and turned to her father who was sitting on a beach chair at her side. She failed to see how gloomy Jordan looked right now.


    "Father, aren''t you going to swim?" Raven asked totally ignoring Jordan who sat on a beach chair beside her.


    "Later I will." Senior Choi answered while he rose up and checked his mobile phone. He noticed his son was holding a towel.


    "Is that for Raven? Brat you are so logy, go on and give her that." Raven looked at Jordan who handed her the towel.


    "Thanks." She said while still not in the mood and continued to eat.


    Senior Choi shook his head. ''So slow!'' He thought as he looked towards his son who was still uneasy.


    Senior Choi took various photos of the group and mostly of her daughter Raven. He was saving this for future use.


    A wide wicked grin can be seen on his face while he looked at his phone. His mind was busy thinking on what favors he can asks his son with each photos.


    Raven once again backed into the water and now together with Chad.


    ''Son you should enjoy. What''s with your unpainted face?" Senior Choi can''t help butment.


    "What''s up with you? Why would you let her wear so little like that? She''s almost nude!" Jordan asked Senior Choi back instead. Then he heard Jordan called his assistant on the phone.


    In just ten minutes Lou arrived with paper bags in his hands containing various rash guards.


    "I will call Raven here and you give this to her! Can you at least be stricter?" Jordan scolded his father before leaving him and went towards to Raven.


    Senior Choi was left with his mouth opened in dazed. He saw Nanny Rong approaching.


    "Nanny Rong, how dare that brat order me around? Is he the father or I am?"


    Nanny Rong: "......"


    "Raven, father asked for you." said Jordan as he went into the water and joined Chad.


    Raven wrinkled her eyebrows but followed.


    Chad was talking to Jordan when they saw Raven jumped back into the water wearing a rash guard instead. Senior Choi joined them also.


    "Hey, why did you change?" Sheena asked.


    "Father said this one was better for skin protection." Raven answered as she shrugged her shoulder.


    Jordan on the side smiled widely andmented. "That one was definitely better. It suits you well."


    Raven gave him a half smile because she can''t tell if that was apliment or he was trying to say that her body doesn''t look good on her first swim wear.


    "There''s also one for you girls. There''s so many to choose from." Senior Choi added while he looked intensely at Jordan.


    ''Look at how happy and satisfied that brat is. He didn''t even bother to thank his Old Man for the favor he had asked me.''


    Everyone enjoyed the crystal beach even Nanny Rong.


    The next day, all of them prepared for the ind hopping. Chad''s family had a yacht arranged they can use.


    They first arrived at Vigu Ind. Its clear blue waters are teeming with marine life. It is home to dugongs, turtles, manta rays, species of fishes and coral reefs.


    The group prepare for a dive. Chad was assisting Raven when he was interrupted by Jordan.


    "Dude, can you help me with this one?"


    Senior Choi who joined the ind hopping can no longer looked at his shameless son...


    The group''sst stopped was a small ind surrounded by clear waters, rock formations and a scene of towering mountains. It was a good ce as a lunch area.


    Jordan never left Chad alone. He chatted with the boy most of the time while drinking beers.


    The girls noticed that too and misinterpreted everything.


    "What''s wrong with your big bro? Does he like Chad?" Sheena asked meaningfully to Raven while observing Jordan.


    "You mentioned before that he doesn''t have a girlfriend up to now right or never heard him courted any girls before right?" Sheena still continued.


    "So what are you trying to say? That my Jordan is somewhat gay?" Yan can''t believe what Sheena''s been insinuating.


    "How old is he anyway? He should be married by now you know." Sheena added.


    "That can''t be. Maybe he was just fond of Chad. You know how friendly Chad is. Anyone can like him in an instant. Besides Jordan was just busy with thepany." Raven can''t help but opposed the idea.


    At the back of her mind, she was convinced that Jordan was a straight person. Yes, he''s maybe aloof to girls but somehow she does understand the guy. He grew up without a mother so most probably that''s why he''s like that.


    Or perhaps he''s just choosing wisely for a partner, someone who can meet his probably high standards and criteria.


    She was also curious who might that person will be. She just hopes that is someone she can get along with easily to avoid any mishaps in the future.


    Nanny Rong excitedly shouted to the group. "Come here and let''s y charades!"


    They formed two groups. Raven with Sheena and Nanny Rong while Chad with Jordan and Yan. Senior Choi will give the word or phrase each group need to guess.


    The score now was 2-2 so Raven''s group need to guess this one correctly for them to win. Sheena will be the one to act and she with Nanny Rong will guess.


    Sheena frowned in protest when Senior Choi whispered the words but left no choice as the old man still did not change it.


    Sheena began to act. She frowned then acted annoyed then somewhat she imitated Jordan''s posture and cold face. Raven''s still not convinced then Sheena acted gay still looking intently at her.


    Without hesitating at all she blurted out. "Jordan Choi." Sheena shouted. "Woooaaww we won."


    Chad, Senior Choi including Captain Jim looked at Jordan with inquiring eyes.


    Thetter just shrugged his shoulders. But at the back of his head there''s a shout out.


    ''I will prove you soon enough how manly I am then!''


    The next morning, they went to the airport for their flight back. All of them enjoyed their vacation and still loud inside the ne during the travel.


    Raven, Senior Choi and Nanny Rong were picked up by their family driver while Jordan and Lou went directly to thepany.


    Inside the car, Jordan immediately instructed Lou.


    "Oh yeah right Lou. Look for an Ind and purchase one for me. I want the whole Ind and have someone to prepare ns for a house andndscaping. Have them on my desk by tomorrow."


    "Noted Sir." Lou answered.

 Chapter 7 Theme Park 1

    Raven would like to spend most of her time with her family before she leaves the country to study abroad.


    She would take her father and Nanny Rong toces to eat out or stroll around.


    Of course, she would also love it if Jordan can join them. So, every now and then she will check his schedules from assistant Lou.


    Unfortunately, most of Jordan''s schedules were fully booked.


    Today, they are on their way to a theme park. It was her father who chose where to go this time.


    This was actually her first time since she hasn''t got any chance to go on a theme park before. She was actually afraid of those rides. She also have fear of heights so no matter how hard her friends will convince her she still did not join them on this kind of trip.


    She just agreed now so at least once in her lifetime she''ll be able to see what a theme park looks like in reality and not just be contented with what she had seen in movies or televisions.


    "Raven did you call Jordan?" Senior Choi asked and she nodded.


    "He has a lot going on with thepany right now." She answered. She did not mention that she just called to his assistant Lou instead to check his avability.


    She had Jordan''s number but she doesn''t know why she was not contacting him directly.


    ''That brat why is he really slow. He should at least start sowing as early as he can!'' Senior Choi murmured at the back of his head while took out his phone and texted his son.


    During the board meeting, Jordan saw his mobile phone lighted on and vibrated. He saw that it''s a text from his father but ignored the message. After a minute, there''s again another text, this time he read it.


    [You sluggish brat. Why can''t Raven get a hold of your schedule? She''s been trying hard to spend time with us more before she leaves and you are just ignoring her!]


    [I will not be shocked ifter on you no longer exist on her world!]


    [We are at the Theme Park now, you better be here in fifteen minutes or else I will ask that good boy Chad to apany us instead!]


    Jordan frowned and texted back.


    [Don''t you dare, I am on my way now!]


    "Meeting adjourned. We will continue tomorrow morning." Jordan spoke with authority out of nowhere then rose-up from his chair.


    "Did Raven called you?" He asked his assistant while he proceeds to walk out of the conference room.


    "Yes Sir. Recently, she''s been asking of your schedules." Assistant Lou replied.


    Jordan stopped walking and he looked sharply at Lou. "Why didn''t you tell me about it? Next time, report to me immediately anything that concerns Raven!''"


    Assistant Lou stayed quiet and just nodded. "I understood Sir."


    "Check the address of the theme park where they are now. We have to arrive there in ten minutes!" Jordan instructed still annoyed.


    Assistant Lou moved quickly to pacify the irritation of his Boss.


    The park had a variety of world-ss themed rides and attractions for all which was really fun.


    It''s too bad that they can only try on family friendly rides like bumper cars, carousel and others.


    They also have some walk-through attraction designed to give a fun startling adventure.


    Raven''s phone rang. It was Jordan. He asked their particr spot inside the park right now.


    It''s the first call she got from Jordan. She felt weird like her heart skip a beat for a moment.


    Raven shook her head and ignored the feeling.


    She turned to the vendor of ice cream and added one more order for Jordan.


    Senior Choi and Nanny Rong were currently resting on a bench.


    "Father, Jordan just called. He''s already inside the park looking for us. I told him we will wait for him here."


    Senior Choi chuckled while he looked at his wrist watch. ''The brat was five minutes early, not bad.''


    Then his face suddenly saddened and let out a deep sighed. ''What will you do without when I''m gone?'' He only hopes the best for his son when that timees...


    Another deep exhaled and then Senior Choi''s face was back to being lively again.


    Jordan took of his coat and necktie while he walked and search for the bench Raven mentioned. He tossed everything at Lou who walked behind him. He then signalled Lou to leave him.


    Raven already spotted Jordan from a distance and she waved her hands to him happily. Yes she felt so happy seeing her big brother. She actually wanted to shout at him and say the word "big brother" but chose not to.


    ''He will definitely hate it and she might kill the good mood.''


    He looked so manly and handsome in his long sleeve polo with the top two buttons undone.


    Raven gasped at the sight of him. ''What is wrong with me?'' She dismissed the thought and greeted Jordan with a smile.


    "Lou said you are busy. I''m d you made it. Want some." She handed him the ice cream while she''s eating hers.


    Four of them sat on the bench while eating the ice creams. Meanwhile, Senior Choi and Nanny Rong excused their selves to go to the restroom.


    Raven and Jordan were left sitting on the bench.


    "Why didn''t you call me directly?" Jordan asked breaking the silence.


    Raven began to cough abnormally at the question causing to drip some ice creams on her lips.


    Jordan who saw it quickly ran his thumb at Raven''s lips to wipe of some of the ice cream. Raven froze because she did not anticipate what happened next.


    Jordan put his thumb with the ice cream stain into his mouth. Then he looked back at her. "Taste good."


    Raven''s jaw dropped at that sentence.


    Seeing the girl''s puzzled eyes, Jordan raised an eyebrow and said. "The ice cream, what vor is that? It tastes good."


    "Ahhh. This one is pistachio nuts vor." Raven murmured. ''Nuts like me'' She thought.


    Something feels really weird right now because her heart started to beat irregrly...

 Chapter 8 Theme Park 2

    "Old Master, let us try and go inside the Vige of the Dead!" Nanny Rong excitedly blurted out seeing the entrance of the so called horror vige.


    "Okay let us all go in. I will buy the tickets and you guys wait here." Jordan immediately walked at the ticket booth.


    Raven and Senior Choi looked at each other. She raised an eyebrow while Senior Choi shrugged his shoulder. Jordan''s seemed to be in the good mood for today.


    "Let''s go." Said Jordan then suddenly held Raven''s hand.


    Jordan''s wicked smile did not escape Senior Choi''s sharp eyes.


    Although caught off guard, Raven did not mind Jordan''s action and did not resist his hand either. She just went with the flow.


    It''s already spooky at the entrance where it''s slightly dark. She can feel Jordan''s palm gripping hers tightly.


    The attraction started with a bus that takes you to the condemned area, which is said to be closed after inhumane torture of the people was made public.


    There''s a chilling background music which will make the hairs of your skin stood up.


    Raven suddenly grabbed Jordan''s arms and moved her body closer to him.


    The actors in their scariest make-ups will grab at you and block your path throughout the maze.


    "Ahhhhh..."


    Raven started to scream as she buried her face on Jordan''s arm.


    "Ahhhh..."


    Every time Raven will scream Jordan flinches. It''s not because of the actors who were scaring them. It''s because he can feel Raven''s chest brushing on his arm for several times.


    Her bra was definitely not padded at all because his arms could feel the softness and fullness of her bosoms.


    The entire horror maze was tortured for him.


    Raven unknowingly would brush her chest to Jordan very hard every now and then. Her gripped was so tight on his arm because of the surprised she felt in every maze.


    Jordan''s tormentsted for almost an hour.


    Sweat can be seen on his forehead.


    Nanny Rong on the other hand spent the entire time in with her eyes closed and praying it would end while Senior Choiughed so hard hearing Nanny Rong screamed all sorts of names.


    "Nanny Rong, let''s go and do one more round. My treat." Senior Choi was still stillughing hard while Nanny Rong tapped his shoulder.


    "Old Master, stop teasing me. I will not dare to go on a horror booth again. Thank God I don''t have a heart ailment or else I''ll be dead on the spot like those zombie faces." Nanny Rongmented still having those traumatic expressions on her face.


    "Why? What''s wrong? Aren''t you too excited to try and see it earlier?" Senior Choi continued to tease the poor olddy.


    Ravenughed at the bantering of the two oldies. She looked at Jordan and noticed his little sweats on the face.


    "Are you okay? Here, use this." She handed him her handkerchief.


    "Father I think Jordan is not feeling well. I''ll just buy some water. Would you also like some drinks?" Raven asked.


    Senior Choi just nodded while Nanny Rong went with Raven.


    "Hey son what''s wrong? Don''t tell me you got too scared with that horror vige? I''ve never heard any sound or scream from you." Senior Choi asked his son while grinning.


    "Why don''t we all cool down and try the wheel of fate next?" Senior Choi continued to spoke with a meaningful look.


    ''Hahaha. This is so much fun!'' Senior Choiughed at the idea that crossed his mind.


    His son needs to experience his own doze of medicine for ignoring his little Raven because of work. He knew little Raven had a fear of heights. ''You should thank me for thister!''


    After sitting and resting for five minutes. Senior Choi now led the way to their next ride.


    Raven''s looked darkened. There''s no way she''s going to try that ride just seeing how high the Ferris wheel will reach.


    ''No way!'' She thought.


    "Little Raven, you are a big girl now as you always says. It''s about time. You should face and conquer you fears. It will help you move forward and be strongerter on. Trust me" Her father encouraged her.


    Raven still shook her head in disagreement.


    "You all go and I will just wait here. I''ll just take your snapshots instead." She said to her father with a begging smile.


    She''s really afraid of heights. However at the back of her mind she does wanted to try it also and check if she can win over that fear.


    "Common let''s do this. I know you can do it. I promise I will no longer call you ''little Raven'' after this." Senior Choi said trying to convince her once again.


    Raven remained quiet and still hesitating.


    Senior Choi pouted his lips and acted like a puppy begging for a bone from his Master.


    Jordan can no longer take it.


    "Stop that dad! You are giving me goose bumps. You and Nanny Rong go if you want. I will stay here with Raven. Don''t force her if she doesn''t want it." Jordan irritatingly scolded his father.


    Dismay crossed Raven''s eye, hearing Jordan''s words. She doesn''t want to be a killjoy. They were here to have fun and it''s the first time that she felt Jordan was getting closer to her.


    Not spoiling the good atmosphere, she suddenly agreed.


    ''How should I know if I can ovee this fear if I don''t even try? '' raven thought before finally answered.


    "Okay, let''s do it."


    "That''s our little Raven!" Senior Choi said happily.


    Raven looked back at his father with intensity. "Remember not to call me little Raven again after this."


    "You and Jordan go to another cabin, I don''t want extra weight." Senior Choi hurriedly walked inside the passenger cabin with Nanny Rong.


    Raven was left dumbfounded but followed. The cabin can actually amodate six persons inside.


    She sat opposite Jordan. Then the Ferris wheel started to move very slowly. At first, Raven was okay but when she identally looked at her side and saw how high they were already, she suddenly looked pale.


    Jordan sensed the nervousness on Raven''s face and automatically shifted his position beside her.


    "Are you alright?" He asked her with concerning eyes.


    Raven did not answer but instead shut her eyes. She feels terrified and paralyzed.


    Jordan felt Raven''s body tensed up so he moved closer and held her in his arms and whispered.


    "Rx your breathing then open your eyes. I am holding you so you won''t fall. It''s all in the mind." Jordan motivated her.


    "Father was right. You have to face that fear. "Jordan said.


    Raven followed Jordan''s guidance and started to rx her breathing and body then she opened her eyes. She saw Jordan staring at her and she just noticed that they were so closed at this moment.

 Chapter 9 Theme Park 3 - She’s a Competitor at Wealth

    Raven did not experience any traumatic experience before. She actually doesn''t know why she''s afraid of heights.


    Whenever she''s on a higher spot and looked down, she will get frightened and always assumed she will fall automatically.


    Her bnce was not also good even at high staircase and she hated that.


    But now she seemed fine with Jordan around her. She felt somewhat secured.


    Once again, she experienced the heart palpitations but this time it''s because of Jordan''s intense stares and closeness at her. It''s definitely not because of the acrophobia.


    She smiled at him and fixed her posture. "Thanks. I think I''m good."


    She tried to disregard the feeling and shifted her eyes to look at the breathtaking view of the entire theme park and the surrounding areas of province from the top of the Ferris wheel.


    "That''s good." Jordan replied seeing Raven smiled at him. ''She''s so cute with her dimples appearing like that.'' He wanted to pinch those cheeks and kissed her but restrained himself.


    ''What would she think of me?'' The sudden thought crossed Jordan''s mind. He should be mindful and take steps slowly given of their age gap.


    Jordan was already twenty seven while Raven was turning eighteen this year. They had a nine years age gap.


    He loosened his embrace to Raven and fixed his posture as well. Although quite perplexed, Raven did not utter a word with the sudden released of Jordan''s arms from her.


    After the Ferris wheel, Jordan and Raven seemed to be awkward with each other. Senior Choi frowned as he observed the two.


    ''What the hell happened? I thought that will help them to be closer?''


    "Father I think we better go back home now. There''s no more friendly attraction to ride at except for those extreme ones." Raven suggested.


    "Wait let us try one morest ride. I saw a swanke around the corner from the top of the Ferris wheel. That looks fun." Senior Choi blurted out easing the awkwardness.


    Jordan was also quiet and did notment.


    "Common little Raven, one more ride then we will go home." Senior Choi once again asked.


    "You''re forgetting something. You promised not to call me little Raven anymore." She now smiled reminding her father.


    "Okay fine Big Raven let''s go now?" Senior Choi talked in a serious tone.


    "Father!" Raven was still in protest.


    "What? Big Raven? I kept the promise okay. So let''s go now my Big Raven."


    Raven just blew airs on her forehead in surrender.


    Raven and Jordan pedaled the swan-shaped boat around therge pond while the elders had another swan boat also. It''s a slow paced boat ride.


    It was actually rxing with the experience of floating around the islets and dodging other swans.


    Jordan was being a gentleman whenever they will bump to other swan boats.


    He will instantly block his arm to her front as if protecting her from any harm even though she wore a protective belt already.


    Raven was so happy. ''So this is the feeling of having a brother taking care of you.''


    But that smile faded when Jordan asked her something out of the blue.


    "When will you leave?" Jordan suddenly asked looking at Raven from his side.


    "My flight will be three days from now. I mentioned that I''ll be leaving a month advance before the ss starts." Raven wrinkled her eyebrows.


    There are so many questions to ask. Why would he always begin it with when she will leave?


    She thought they can start on something given that Jordan''s bing approachable these days. Maybe she''s just hoping for something vague at all.


    ''Perhaps he was just being nice since he was happy that I will be leaving soon. He was just being considerate I guess?'' Raven thought to herself.


    She hated the feeling of being pessimistic on things but she can''t help thinking that way about Jordan ever since he strongly announced his disagreement for her to be his sister five years ago during his graduation party.


    That was not actually thest one. There were other incidents where he deliberately said that he opposed to her being his sister.


    She recalled the most recent and worst scenario that just happened a year ago.


    It was theirpany event. Senior Choi would introduce her as his daughter and she witnessed how her father was so proud of her with the way she handled herself at the crowd.


    All her father''s subordinates were astonished and praising him to have a beautiful daughter like her and same goes with Jordan of how lucky he was having a sister as elegant and astonishing as her.


    What Jordan did was so unexpected. When he was giving his speech, he thanked his father and specifically included her in the speech.


    Thanking her also for her support and assistance to the family even though she was a FOSTER child. The word FOSTER was pronounced with a heavy tone and diction.


    Although there was contemtion as he did paid tribute and mentioned the contribution of his biological father to thepany.


    This causemotion to thepany employees who''s at most thought they were real siblings.


    So from that day on the ''FOSTER CHILD'' became her nickname to all employees under theirpany.


    Well, that''s okay with her since it''s a fact and she don''t care on what others think of her as long as she had a clean conscience.


    Besides, she doesn''t have any greed with her father''spany at all.


    Again, all that matters to her was she was treated and loved like a real daughter.


    However, she must admit that she was really hurt with Jordan''s actions because one thing was clear¡­


    Jordan doesn''t like her at all, he hates her. That only exined all his disagreement for epting her to his family legally.


    Like in the movies or series, she''s apetitor at wealth not only to Jordan''s eyes but to everyone''s eyes eventually.


    She''s witnessing how important thepany was to Jordan. He''s a workaholic person. You might even think he was married to thepany.


    No wonder he''s overprotective on it.


    At his young age, he almost managed it beyondparison.


    Raven was so startled when Jordan''s hand suddenly touched hers. "Hey, what are you thinking?" He asked her without blinking.


    "Nothing much. I''m just happy that we got to spend time like this." She said earnestly.


    "Me too..." Jordan smiled sweetly at her.

 Chapter 10 Its just another four years

    "Sir, Senior Choi just called to remind you of Raven''s flight today." Assistant Lou immediately informed his Boss as soon as he received Senior Choi''s call.


    "What?" Jordan looked at his mobile phone which reflected several missed calls from his father.


    Lou predicted that''s his Boss'' mobile phone was on a silent mode. His Boss was like that whenever he was so focused with the documents he was checking.


    He can''t notice or even feel that his phone was vibrating.


    He had never seen someone who workspulsively as his Boss. Lou was with thepany and servicing him for almost three years now.


    Whenever he saw his Boss, he looked like someone who wanted to kill time or he should say kill his years ahead by working.


    "What time is her flight?" Jordan hurriedly got up on his chair.


    Jordan knew Raven will leave soon but don''t actually want to know and remember the exact date and time.


    Lou shook his head as he called the driver to ready the car.


    "Nanny Rong please stop crying." Raven said while she patted her back.


    "You''re all by yourself there. No one will take care of your meals and other things. Are you sure you don''t want me to go with you?" Nanny Rong said still sobbing.


    Raven smiled lovingly to the person who was like a mother to her.


    "I''m a grown up already. I can manage taking care of myself so do not worry okay? It''s best that you stay here to look after father while I''m away."


    Raven then shifted her gaze at Senior Choi who was still quiet.


    "Father, I''ll be going now. I will call as soon as I arrived at the t." She embraced and kissed him on the cheek.


    "Make sure you contact Josh if you will need anything." Senior Choi reminded her since theirpany also had a subsidiary in that country.


    Raven just nodded.


    "Senior Choi, Nanny Rong, I''m with Raven so you don''t need to be troubled that much. She got me there. I''ll make sure she''s well protected." Sheena interrupted and can no longer take the sad atmosphere.


    Raven was shocked that Sheena got admitted because thetter never told her that she even applied at the same school.


    Sheena did mention before that she would love to but their family won''t be able to afford the cost so she thought that like Yan, Sheena will just stay at their country for university.


    Sheena informed the good news just yesterday and said that a close family member of her father will sponsor all her expenses abroad.


    Although unexpected she was so grateful since she will not be totally alone facing her new environment.


    Raven scanned the area one more time before bidding the elders her goodbyes.


    Sensing that Raven must be looking for Jordan, Senior Choi spoke. "You know how busy that brat is. Go now, he was probably just around the corner and you''ll never know."


    Ravenughed and started to walk towards the passenger entrance together with Sheena.


    Once again, she looked back and waved at the two most important persons in her life.


    True with what Senior Choi had guessed, Jordan was just really around the corner, looking intently at Raven.


    He was quitete and chose not to show up because he doesn''t want them to see his miserable face.


    He released a very deep sighed.


    ''Four years. It''s just another four years.'' He thought as if consoling himself.


    Lou just observed the sad expression of his Boss. He wondered how long his Boss could actually wait and he can''t hide his admiration for his loyalty and patience to someone.


    Jordan and Lou were on their way out at the airport when a woman suddenly bumped into Jordan.


    "Sorry. My bad." The woman apologized.


    "No worries." Jordan replied then proceeds to walk at the car.


    The woman never left her gazes at Jordan. ''He was totally my type.'' Lin thought while she stare at the man she had bumped into because she was so busy checking her chat box on the phone.


    "Daughter, wee back! Come and give your father a hug." It was President Wang.


    He noticed that her daughter was intently looking on a particr direction. He followed Lin''s gazes.


    She was looking at the man who was about to enter his car. He looked somewhat familiar even from afar.


    "Oww that boy was Jordan Choi, the only son and heir to Choizen Group." President Wang blurted out.


    Lin''s eyebrow arched, "you know him Dad?"


    "Dear, everyone knows that man. At his young age he unbelievably increased the profits of their group and now had several subsidiaries. You do know Choizen Group right? He is the Vice Chairman and CEO. " Lin''s father had announced.


    "Yeah of course, that''s one a hell of a group that serve''s technologies worldwide." A wicked smile can be seen from Lin.


    She stayed abroad most of her years to study. And now she was back for good.


    "How about I get him as your future son-inw?" Lin asked his father with a wide grin but somehow that question was more like of a deration.


    President Wang shook his head. Lin was a spoiled brat being the only daughter in his family.


    She had that temper where she always wants to get what she wanted by any means.


    He wondered how his daughter will n on that.


    From what he heard, Senior Choi''s son was hard to approach.


    All these years, he''s not been involved into anyone even with their circles.


    Although many were trying to hook the man with an arrange marriage even using Senior Choi as a way but all failed.


    He also heard that Senior Choi on the other hand does not interfere that much with his son''s private life.


    "What''s with the creasing of your eyebrow and forehead? Haha. Just wait and see. I will bring him home as your son inw by hook or by crook." Lin dered while she encircled her arms to her father.

 Chapter 11 I will drop my position at the company

    "Nanny Rong, you call our big Raven now and show her what''s for our dinner tonight," said Senior Choi who was grinning widely.


    He was sure his big Raven will drool seeing the meals. These were all her favorite seafood dishes.


    Jordan who just arrived home heard his father andmented.


    "Are you going to call her every day? For goodness sake, give her time to at least miss you and besides she might be busy buying groceries right now!"


    Senior''s Choi brow arched. ''Howe this brat often gets on his nerve?'' He ignored him and waited for Nanny Rong to call big Raven.


    "Old Master, Raven said she will call us once she''s back at her apartment." Nanny Rong said while holding the mobile phone.


    Senior Choi asked, "Why? Where is she? It''s almost dinner time. Tell her not to skip meals."


    "She''s with Sheena buying groceries at the supermarket." Nanny Rong replied.


    ''How the hell did he guess it right?'' He thought as he looked to Jordan suspiciously.


    "Did you call her already?" he asked.


    "Why would I? I am not like you. You''re suffocating." Jordan mindlessly answered while he sat at the dining table.


    Senior Choi frowned, "Suffocating? As if I don''t know what you are doing. I''m just more open unlike you who did things at the dark."


    Senior Choi spoke the words with meaning while he looked intently to his son.


    Jordan just shrugged off his father''s statements and started to eat dinner.


    -


    "Father seemed to be missing me a lot." Ravenmented after the line was cut-off.


    "Yeah right, maybe he''s not the only one who misses you." Sheena suddenly blurted out while her mouth twitched as she looked on her mobile phone.


    "I think we have enough,mon let''s pay and go back." Sheena continued.


    Raven just nodded in agreement. It''s been fifteen days already since they arrived. Almost every day her father would call to check on her.


    It''s already dark when the girls arrived at the apartment. Raven saw a man standing at their door


    "Is that Chad?" She asked Sheena.


    They were walking at the hallway and about six meters away from her apartment door.


    She was nearsighted so without her eyess on, it''s very hard for her to recognize people''s faces with four meters distance afar.


    But based on his built and style of clothing, he looks like Chad.


    Sheena who was currently texting looked up to see.


    "What the hell? Yeah it''s Chad." Sheena gasped in surprise.


    Raven walked faster, "Hey what are you doing here?"


    "Surprise!!!" Chad happily announced.


    Sheena rolled her eyes, "how long have you waited? Duhh you could at least inform us beforehand you know."


    Chad scratched his head. He do waited for almost an hour at the waiting area then decided to check around Raven''s floor. Her apartment was on the third floor.


    "Wow your apartment was so nice," Chad eximed as they enter. The living space was adorned with extrarge windows allowing for an abundance of natural light.


    Raven smiled. She owned one unit at Somers ce. It''s a gift from his father and she loved it the moment she arrived.


    Somers ce is a wonderfulmunity replete with all theforts of home, while surrounded by nature. Amenities are 24-hour concierge, 24 Hour fitness centre, freeundry room.


    It boasts lots of natural light and beautiful views throughout. Some additional benefits include Fresh Pond Trail, Parks and Recreation including tennis, pools and other more.


    "You are right in time. I will cook for dinner. You just sit and chat with Sheena while waiting." Raven happily prepared for her cooking.


    "Uhmmm, Raven why don''t we just have a deliver. Chad seemed to be hungry already. Right Chad?"


    Sheena suggested while she signalled Chad to ride with her.


    Chadughed in silence as he understood Sheena''s look. In their group chat thetter has beenining that she''s been Raven''s taster from the moment they arrived at her apartment.


    Since school hasn''t started yet, Raven has been into cooking for the past days.


    Chad ignored Sheena''s pleading eyes and smiled at Raven, "Okay I will try your food."


    "Here. Have a chat with Sheena while I prepare our dinner" Raven give Chad a juice and appetizer.


    ''Oh crap another cooking experiment. How I wish the ss started soon.'' Sheena helplessly thought before opening the television and sat on the sofa.


    Meanwhile, Chad did not sit yet and instead walked around.


    "Hey you have three bedrooms. Can I sleep over tonight?" He asked Raven.


    "NOOOOO!!!" Sheena answered in a loud voice.


    Chad''s brow arched, "Why are you the one answering?"


    Sheena answered, "Because I stay here too! Besides, it''s inappropriate for you since we are both girls here and..."


    Sheena paused as if thinking for more alibis to justify her refusal.


    Raven justugh at the two and suddenly remembered that she promised to call her father.


    -


    At the Choi''s mansion, Senior Choi was at the living room eating fruits.


    He saw Jordan and said, "Sone here and join us. The fruits are tasty and we will watch a blockbuster movie that topped this month."


    "Nope. I''ll pass. I need to check the proposals for the new business venture." Jordan replied.


    Then they heard a ring from theptop near the television screen.


    "It''s Raven. Go and ept the video call Nanny Rong." Senior Choi instructed.


    Nanny Rong was about to get-up when they heard Jordan speaking from behind. "I''ll do it Nanny Rong."


    The elders were both startled as they thought Jordan already left. After Jordan epted the call he sat beside his father and get some fruits.


    Senior Choi raised an eyebrow, "I thought you were busy?"


    "I will just try the fruits." Jordan muttered.


    Nanny Rong got up to get more fruits when she heard Jordan.


    Senior Choi was still about toment at Jordan but Raven already appeared on the television screen.


    "Hi father. Oh Jordan is there¡­" Raven greeted them with all her smiles and waved with both hands.


    "I am cooking dinner now. I have a guest. You want to see?" Raven continued while she moved her pace closer to show Sheena at the living room and Chad.


    Chad waved also while Sheena became pale seeing Jordan in the screen.


    Senior Choi spoke, "I see the boy Chad. What is he doing there?"


    "Surprise visit Sir. Just wanted to check how the girls are doing and if their ce was secure enough." Chad answered while smiling.


    ''Of course that was secured. I''m the one who personally inspected the ce.'' Jordan would like to interrupt.


    "Oh that was sweet of you." Senior Choimented.


    Chad continued, "Sir, they have three bedrooms so I asked Raven if I could stay for tonight on the spare one."


    "If you dare agree I will drop my position at thepany and let you manage it on your own." Jordan murmured in a threatening tone, enough for Senior Choi to hear.


    Senior Choi: "...¡­.."

 Chapter 12 The Mission

    Senior Choi coughs upon hearing Jordan''s warning.


    He smiled at Chad and was about to reply when he heard Sheena nags Chad.


    "Hey what is wrong with you? Why would you even ask Senior Choi about that? Even if we are friends, it was still not proper for you to sleep here especially with the elders'' perspective. "


    "Besides you are very rich. I bet you had a mansion nearby to stay at so stop with your nonsense," Sheena continued.


    "Okay fine." Chad finally surrendered.


    "Sir, I''ll give the phone back to Raven. Sorry for asking." Chad said apologetically.


    Senior Choi just smiled at the boy and checked his son who looked so gloomy.


    Jordan was now checking something at his mobile phone.


    "Father we will eat dinner now. When I return, I''ll also cook your favorite foods." She said excitedly feeling confident that she was already better when that timees.


    "Okay big Raven. Eat well." Senior Choi waved.


    Meanwhile, Jordan also interrupted. "Cook for me too."


    Although surprised Raven smiled and nodded while she wave goodbye.


    Jordan is on the phone right now. Based on the conversation he was having it''s definitely the Somers ce.


    "Howe that ce doesn''t have a curfew for visitors?" Jordan grumbled.


    Senior Choi arched again an eyebrow, "Son, Raven''s ce is not a dormitory exclusive for girls only. Besides you were the one who chose that."


    "Who do you think is more suffocating now between us?" Senior Choi added mocking his son.


    Jordan did notment any more and rose-up to go back at his room for the document he still needs to check and review.


    His father was right. He was the one who particrly chose that ce knowing Raven will definitely love it. That ce almost feels like home because he wanted her to befortable and at ease.


    Meanwhile, Senior Choi just shook his head and shifted back the television screen to the movie when Nanny Rong returned so they can start watching.


    --


    Raven excitedly arranged the dish on table. Actually, she just cooked kimchi stew with pork belly and tofu.


    "Oh thank God. I will help you set-up the table." Sheena blurted out seeing Raven holding the electric grill and put it on the table.


    Ravenughed seeing how Sheena got enlightened knowing she can eat good foods atst.


    "I cooked kimchi stew so you still need to taste that with Chad. I know you''ve been through a lot these days so let''s just have something to grill in partner with my stew."


    "Can you just have Chad to do the tasting this time? Let me pass this once please," Sheena begged her.


    "Hahaha - It''s actually good this time. Promise I already improved - I think..." Raven winked at Sheena while she continues with the servings of bowls.


    "So how was it?" Raven looked at Chad and Sheena.


    "Quite good nowpare to your cooking before. You''re improving. But I still think it''s kind of nd." Sheenamented in honesty while pursuing to grill more meat.


    ''She can finally have some tasty food after days of suffering.'' Sheena thought as she added marinated beef they bought from the market to grill.


    On the contrary, Chad smiled lovingly to Raven who almost finished the bowl.


    "What nd are you saying? For me this is okay." Then showed thumbs up sign to Raven.


    "Wow, you''re future boyfriend will be so lucky," Chad continued still staring at Raven admiringly.


    ''This guy was so obvious.'' Sheena once again thought to herself.


    She knew Chad liked Raven so much and she was wondering until when this guy ns to hide it.


    Chad was a good catch after all. Sheena thought while looking at his friend who was still smiling lovingly at Raven.


    Sheena shook her head and shifted her gaze to Raven.


    Raven was really extraordinarily beautiful. Plus, she also has a very good personality. So no wonder, many would definitely like to capture her attention.


    After dinner, Sheena''s phone suddenly rang.


    "Uhm yeah -- yes still here. Ahh okay I understand." She said in a soft voice.


    Chad can''t believe how Sheena became somewhat meek on the phone, out of curiosity he asked, "Who was that?"


    "Uhhmm just my dad checking on me. Hey, you need to leave now. You know us girls need to rest early. It''ste already and I think the management do have a new regtion now with the visitors." Sheena said.


    Raven''s eyebrows creased, she was not informed about it.


    "Oh I forgot to mention it to you. They will have the notice letter for each apartment by tomorrow." Sheena exined to the confused Raven.


    ''Oh crap, is lying will be a routine of her from now on?'' Sheena can''t help butin from the inside.


    "Ahh okay." Raven answered.


    Chad had to leave early against his will.


    "Girls I''ll call you. Let''s have fun during my stay here before your ss starts soon. Okay?" Chad said heading at the door.


    "I will stay for one week," Chad added before he headed out.


    "I''ll do the dishes." Sheena said to Raven when she saw her moved to clean up the table.


    "What''s up with you and Chad? You seemed harsh towards him." Raven asked.


    Sheena justughed and answered, "Aren''t you used to us already? You know how I love to quarrel with that guy. I feel so alive!"


    Raven somewhat was not convinced but do not push the topic further.


    ''My future depends on how I will make sure not to get you being involved to any guys.'' Sheena wanted to tell that to Raven but chose not to.


    A while ago, her head almost burst out hearing Chad will stay here for one week.


    She sure dug her own grave.


    She sighed deeply. She has a long year ahead and she wanted to cheer herself on this mission.


    She once again looked at Raven.


    ''Oh crap, even I can fall in love with her.'' She thought at the back of her mind jokingly.

 Chapter 13 He was not insecure at all

    "Sir, Wang Motor Corporation wants to set-up a meeting with you." Lou said as soon as he entered his Boss office.


    With his hand was his Boss''s favourite brewed coffee in the morning which he put on his table.


    Jordan heard of thatpany. He looked at Lou while picking up his coffee.


    "It''s a multinational automotive manufacturer, headquartered here in our country Sir." Lou started to brief his Boss with thepany''s background.


    "That corporation was not bad, let us hear what they want to offer. Make a schedule for them." Jordan instructed as he gazed back to the documents on his table.


    Jordan heard a message tone. He then paused to check his mobile phone at the table. It was Sheena.


    [Boss there''s a problem.]


    [Chad will stay in the country for a week to spend more time with us before the ss started. But I will try my best to be the third wheel so don''t worry.]


    His eyebrows creased upon reading the message.


    He knew that Chad was a long time friend of Raven but he sensed that the boy had something on his sleeve, a feeling towards Raven.


    Chad had a good background, seemed to also have good personalities and good appearance he can say.


    That was not the problem because he knew his own advantages.


    He was not insecure at all.


    The thing was the age gap difference.


    Raven was still considered a minor so he can''t even make his moves right now unlike that Chad who was of the same age as Raven.


    And he had heard that there''s a higher chance that love blooms and develops between friends.


    And he was bothered about that.


    "One more thing Lou, can you check again my schedule for this week?" Jordan asked his assistance.


    Lou obeyed and dictated his current appointments for the week.


    "Cancel them all. I''ll be going on a business trip. Tell our office in Boston that I''ll be visiting and will stay there for a week." Jordan instructed before dismissing his assistant.


    Lou called to inform their Boston office for the sudden visit.


    "Why the sudden visit? Is there something wrong? I think our sales for this year were not that bad."


    The officer in charge asked Lou so many questions because the CEO usually visits branch offices with poor sales and marketing oue.


    "It''s nothing much, he might want to boost out or to encourage your branch more." Lou answered simply.


    Lou knew the real reason for the sudden business trip.


    ''Isn''t that already considered as stalking?'' He thought when he was first instructed by his Boss to make preparations for Raven''s friend Sheena.


    He was the one who fixed everything for Sheena to be epted on the same University as Raven without even going to the right process of admittance.


    Sheena loved the idea of studying abroad with Raven and immediately agreed.


    Of course this was a better option than stopping school and working at an early age since her family encountered a misfortune and had faced bankruptcy.


    Sheena''s future was now secured that instant. All she has to do is to be the Boss'' eyes and ears with matters concerning Raven.


    And the most important thing above all that Sheena has to do is to prevent Raven from being involved to any man during her college years.


    Lou felt his bone chilled at the thought.


    ''So that was how he''s going to wait for his love? No it''s not even called waiting. It was more of YARDING a property- fencing his love to make sure no one will enter. He was probably the only one who was capable of that.'' Lou grinned at the thought of his Boss'' style.


    He was anticipating how everything would turn out with this love story of his Boss.


    He just hopes he gets the girl in the end.


    --


    AT RAVEN''S APARTMENT


    As expected, Chad arrived at Raven''s apartment in the morning.


    Sheena can''t help but eximed while still yawning, "Goodness Chad, are you an rm clock? Can''t you see what time is it? It''s just 7:15 in the morning!"


    Ravenughed because Sheena was right. This was too early for a visit.


    Chad pouted his lips and looked at Raven, "I am lonely and no one to eat breakfast with. It''s not that early besides I can wait here while you fix yourselves. Let''s walk outside and grab breakfast. My treat!"


    Sheena can''t help but pull her hair right and left. This Chad will definitely give her a hard time for a week.


    They chose to eat breakfast at a nearby bakery and caf¨¦.


    Sheena was intently observing Chad and shook her head. She wonders if Raven can notice it too. But she doubts it knowing how her friend''s mind works.


    Chad no longer apanied them upstairs and just dropped them at Somers ce entrance. It was agreed that they will go out tonight.


    "What do you think of Chad?" Sheena asked Raven when they were inside the elevator.


    Raven turned her head to face to her, "Huh? What about Chad?"


    "I think he likes you." Sheena blurted out meeting Raven''s eyes. She was also curious to know what Raven thinks and feels for Chad.


    Raven poked her, "Hey! What''s with you? Why are you asking something like that? Stop it."


    Sheena was seriously looking at her, "No, I''m serious, what if Chad likes you or somewhat pursue you. We never know the future holds so just in case something like that happen what do you think about him?"


    Raven met her eyes and answered in a serious tone, "I''m too young to talk about that. I think I''m ate bloomer okay when ites to something like that. My priority for now is to graduate and no side lines especially with love life thing so stop that."


    Raven added, "And don''t you dare talk something like that about Chad. We are friends and I do hope it remains as that. Chad was just a nice guy so don''t misunderstand or misinterpret his actions. It''s just his personalities."


    Sheena answered and just nodded, "Okay got it."


    But at the back of her mind she thought howe Raven was good into almost anything but not at cooking and reading on people.

 Chapter 14 I Want You

    Chad picked up the girls at the apartment at around 7:00 in the evening.


    They tried one of the most popr restobar in the area. The ce had innovative dining menu, noted for its fine seafood creations.


    Chad searched for this ce knowing how Raven was a seafood lover.


    The tropical decor can''t help but put you at ease. The girls started to order.


    "Wow lobster bisque, crab cakes and sea bass with meuniere sauce. Let''s try this." Raven was so excited seeing the menu.


    The three had an evening drink afterwards. The live band and great jazz added to the sophisticated vibe of the ce.


    Behind the bar, a neon purple light forces drinkers into an existential exploration: "Have you figured out what you want yet?"


    The question could send some into crisis.


    Sheena jokingly looked at Chad beside her and said, "I just figured out what I wanted just now, can you guess?"


    Chad raised an eyebrow and answered, "Hard drinks to knocked you down?"


    Sheena shook her head then looked straight at Chad''s eyes, "YOU!"


    Chad caught off guard blew out the beer he''s currently drinking from his mouth.


    Sheena was enjoying how Chad reacted andughed so hard. Then shemented, "that was so grossed man!''


    Raven who was just observing how Sheena was teasing Chad got a napkin from her purse to pass at Chad who was so embarrassed to even look at her.


    "Sheena stop that, why are you always picking up on Chad." Raven scolded her friend grinning while she drank her cocktail.


    Sheena just shrugged her shoulder, "Chad loved my teasing, don''t you Chad? What''s wrong with wanting you?"


    Raven shook her head, well there''s nothing new. Sheena has been like that to Chad ever since and thetter seemed not bothered by that at all.


    Her mobile phone suddenly rang and it was Jordan.


    "Where are you?" Jordan asked.


    "I''m at a restobar with Sheena and Chad. Why?" Raven was surprised receiving the sudden call.


    "Message me the address of the bar and the code of your apartment." Jordan said before cutting the line off.


    Sheena noticed the creasing of Ravens forehead as she was typing on her mobile phone.


    "Why what''s wrong who was that?" Sheena asked.


    Raven answered still typing, "It''s Jordan and he was asking the address of this bar and my apartment code."


    Sheena already informed Jordan earlier that they will go out tonight for dinner and a drink.


    ''Why would he ask Raven the address? Don''t tell me he flew all the way here just to check on Raven?'' Sheena thought before she shifted her gaze to Chad.


    ''What an unlucky boy. Don''t worry, I''ll keep youpany.'' Then like a crazy person sheughed at her own thought.


    Sheena heard Chad murmured, "Crazy!"


    Meanwhile, Raven called Lou and she had confirmed that Jordan was here for a business trip.


    He will also sleep at her apartment for tonight.


    She can''t believe it and ask the bartender for more cocktail drinks in a row.


    "Hey, you should stop Raven. I think she had too many already. You know how she snaps out when drunk." Chad reminded Sheena seeing Raven ordered for more cocktails.


    Sheena agreed and turned her head to the Bartender, "That''s enough. Don''t give her anymore."


    Hearing that, Raven looked at Sheena with puppy eyes and said, "Why would Jordan stay at the apartment. Can''t he just stay at any luxury hotel instead?"


    "Why? What''s wrong if he sleep over? His you big brother besides it''s just probably a night right?" Sheena exined.


    Chad was just listening at the two girls. Obviously, Raven by now was too drunk and won''t even remember anything tomorrow.


    --


    Jordan and Lou arrived at the apartment at about 10:00 in the evening and Raven was still not in the house. He knew that they went out but had expected they should have returned already by this time.


    After the call, Jordan opened Raven''s apartment and Lou put his luggage on the spare room.


    "Just leave it all there. Let''s go to this address." He said giving his mobile phone to Lou.


    The bar was just a fifteen minutes ride from Raven''s apartment.


    When they arrived Raven was already drunk while Sheena and Chad were stopping her to grab more drinks because she was even stealing Chad and Sheena''s bottle now.


    He immediately instructed to escort Chad outside for a cab.


    "I''ll handle her, you go out first." Jordan said as he looked at Sheena who just nodded at him before heading out.


    Jordan looked at Raven, who would tell that the girl was just seventeen on her appearance. She was wearing a simple, fitting red off neck blouse and skirt which showed her curvy body for her age.


    "Hey you Mr. Bartender you have a colorful question there behind your back," Raven read out loud the question.


    "-- Have you figured out what you want yet? -- YES I DO, and I want more drink, give me more will you?"


    Raven continued to plead, while the bartender looked at Jordan.


    Raven followed the Bartender''s gaze and looked also intently at Jordan.


    "Ow he''s my Big Brother? Oops I forgot you don''t want to be called like that. Hmmm. How about you Mr. Jordan Choi? Have you figured out what you want yet? You should try this cocktail. It''s really good!"


    Raven was almost stammering while she talked.


    "Let''s go home, you''re too drunk." Jordan just shook his head and help Raven to get up.


    "You haven''t answered me yet. Have you figured out what you want yet? You should answer their magic question." Raven insisted.


    Jordan moved closer as he helped her to walk steadily before whispering on her ear, "Yeah, figured it out a long time ago. I WANT YOU."


    Raven looked at him andmented, "Stop it! That tickles!"


    She unknowingly rubbed her ear irritably.


    Jordan smirked and continued to help her to get out of the bar.


    Sheena and Lou were already outside waiting for them.

 Chapter 15 Not allowed to get drunk and do something like this on any other men

    When they are about to enter the elevator, Sheena suddenly stopped, "You go ahead first, I''ll just buy something at the store to help her sober up."


    Jordan nodded and entered with Raven. He had carried her like a sack of grain on his shoulder because Raven was getting out of control.


    He opened the door and brought Raven inside her room. He put her down gently.


    But she abruptly clutched her arms to him while her hands pulled his hair.


    "Ooouuuch! Stop it Raven!" His loud protest made Raven to stop.


    What happened next was so unexpected. Raven smiled at him as she cupped his face with both her hands.


    She tiptoed because Jordan was taller and moved closer to search his face.


    "Wow! You are really here big brother!" she said excitedly.


    On the other hand, Jordan did not know if he will burst out inughter because of Raven''s childishness when drunk.


    He tried to pull out her hands on his face but Raven just shifted her hands to his neck clutching into him like a leach.


    Jordan froze because he felt Raven''s body brushed against his.


    ''Not again!''


    Panic struck him because he might not be able to control himself if this goes on.


    He tried to push her but she just tightened her grip more and the worst part was she was trying to climb onto him like he was a tree.


    With her eyes closed she shouted at his face, "I must reach the top and show that arrogant Jordan Choi that I Raven Lee was not someone he can trample on whenever he likes!"


    Jordan brow arched, "What are you saying? When did I ever do something like that to you?"


    Jordan was so astonished right now.


    Because of Raven''s reckless movements and continuous climbing, Jordan lost his bnce and fell to the bed with her on top.


    Raven who was feeling dizzy and nauseous was about to get up but was stopped by Jordan.


    Her neck was abruptly pulled downwards instead to meet Jordan''s waiting lips.


    He tasted the mixed cocktails on Raven''s lips.


    He can''t seem to get enough and slid his tongue inside to probe deeper.


    He was kissing her intensely.


    After a few minutes, Raven tried to move to escape from the kiss.


    When Jordan released her, she sat up on top of Jordan as she gasped for air.


    Jordan also get-up on a sitting position then cupped Raven''s face.


    He looked straight into her eyes before speaking, "You are not allowed to get drunk and do something like this on any other men."


    Raven just stared back at him while she creased her eyebrows. She felt throwing up at that moment¡­


    --


    Meanwhile, Sheena already arrived inside the apartment. She was hesitating if she would knock or not at Raven''s room.


    She had checked Jordan on the spare room but found the room empty.


    She opened the television to distract herself but then reached out again to Raven''s door but stopped. She walked back at the living room.


    She''s been like this for almost three minutes now, going back and forth from Raven''s door and the living room.


    Yes she was paid by Jordan to monitor on Raven but not definitely to sell her friend out.


    She is Raven''s friend so she will not allow anyone to take an advantage on her without Raven''s approval or knowing.


    Although, she thinks and believes that Jordan will definitely not do something beyond the belt.


    In the end, she decided to check Raven''s room.


    She was about to knock at the door when it suddenly opens.


    Sheena smelled something awful from Jordan who was now standing before her. She automatically covered her nose.


    "She''s in the bathtub, clean her up," Jordan instructed her with a stern look.


    Then he added before totally disappearing at her sight, "Make sure that she never gets drunk again like this."


    --


    The next morning, Raven''s head was aching. She looked at the clock and it was past 10:00 in the morning already.


    She rose up and did some stretching to wake herself more before going out on her room.


    "Good morning!" She greeted Sheena who was watching the television.


    Sheena answered, "There''s a hangover soup for you at the table and medicine."


    "Okay, thanks. You help me change my clothesst night right?" she asked while eating the soup.


    Sheena turned off the television, walked towards her and sat opposite her.


    She ced her one elbow on the table and a hand on her chin while she stared at Raven wide dazed.


    "You really don''t remember what happenedst night?" Sheena asked.


    "Not really, thest thing I remembered was we ordered drinks, Jordan called and I ordered mixed cocktails in a row." Ravenughed.


    "Oh right did Jordan arrivest night?" She asked wide eyed remembering her conversation with Jordan.


    She hopes Jordan did not witness her at the state of drunkenness.


    Sheenaughed and spoke, "I just hope your alcoholic ckouts won''t put you in apromising situation someday."


    Sheena narrated what happened next to Raven after her memory ck-out.


    "Oh no, I will not drink anymore!" Raven dered still in shock of what she did to Jordan.


    "Well, you still can but as long as you are here inside your house probably." Sheenamented subconsciously.


    "No more alcohol for me even at home! What if I went out and just go with random stranger!" Raven can''t still believe why she was like that when drunk, not remembering anything at all.


    "Hmm you have a point. It will be better for you to avoid drinking from now on." Sheena dered happily. One mission considered aplished without further effort from her side.


    Then Sheena remembered something, "Ohh right I almost forgot. Jordan said he will be home for dinner before he left so cook for him."


    "What!? Can''t he just eat dinner on a fine dine in. You know I am not a good cook yet. What''s up with him?" Raven suddenly felt nervous.


    "Chill out, just do your usual routine -- haha. The only difference is you''ll add another te for your big bro. I''m sure he will love anything you cook." Sheenaughed loudly.

 Chapter 16 Make It Tasty Enough For Him

    Sheena was out toplete her admittance documents for school. She made sure that Chad apanied her to prevent him from bothering Raven at the apartment.


    "Let''s grab lunch here." Sheena said while she pulled Chad''s arm inside the restaurant just beside their school.


    "Is Raven busy today? I thought she''ll also go with you." Chad said while Sheena looked for the menu.


    "Yes, she''s quite busy today so it''s better not to disturb her. What would you like to have? I will treat you." Sheena answered then looked at Chad.


    "Hey, what''s with your face? Are you that sad being with me?" Sheena waved her hand to Chad''s face that looked absent minded.


    Chad smiled noticing Sheena was ring at him.


    "It''s not that. It''s just¡­" He paused and somewhat hesitated to continue.


    Sheena smiled wickedly getting the idea, "What? Don''t tell me you are nning to confess your feelings to Raven?"


    Chad reddened with the straight forwardment from Sheena.


    "How did you know I like Raven?" He asked Sheena shyly.


    "Duh you were so obvious. One nce with your actions and one can easily tell you like Raven." Sheena rolled her eyes while she answered.


    "So Raven also knew?" Panic can be seen on Chad''s face.


    "Oh that one is exempted. Haha -- you should be grateful that Raven was slow into sensing people''s emotions. Or maybe she doesn''t bother at all because she had a higher priority than things like that for now." Sheena exined intentionally.


    She cared for their friendship and she was sure that if Chad pursues Raven right now, it will make things between them ufortable remembering Raven''s perspective thest time she opened something like this.


    "Chad, I don''t think it will be good to confess right now. Unless, you are willing to take the risk or toll on your friendship with Raven then go ahead. I''m not discouraging you at all but this was just my opinion."


    Sheena continued, "Besides you are still young, we all are so maybe it would be better not to rush things. But it''s still up to you to decide in the end."


    Sheena added jokingly as sheughed and winked at Chad, "I''m just here in case you will need a drinking buddy afterwards."


    Chad just smiled and remained quiet afterwards.


    --


    Raven texted Jordan that dinner will be ready at 7:00 PM.


    She knew Jordan was not a picky eater so basically, she can cook anything at all for him and he will eat that. The problem was she should at least make it tasty enough for him.


    She doesn''t know why shecks that right bnce when ites to spices.


    It was past 5:00 PM already when Raven tried to cook pan-seared pork chops with roasted fennel and tomatoes, week night lemon chicken and chicken, broli and brown rice casserole.


    Sheena and Chad arrived at 6:00 PM and Raven was still busy cooking.


    "Do you need help," Chad asked seeing how Raven was still in the kitchen.


    "No I am fine, it will be done soon. Are you hungry already? Here try this one with Sheena." Raven answered as she handed a te of two-cheese veggie nachos.


    Then Jordan arrived with his business suit, greeting her and the two at the living room then he walked straight in his room to change first.


    "I''ll be done soon. You sit with Sheena and Chad first. I made some nachos while you wait." Raven smiled and said when she noticed Jordan sat at the chair facing her and watching her movements.


    She felt uneasy with him staring at what she was doing.


    Jordan got up and moved near her, "Do you need help?"


    Raven just shook her head, "I''m almost done. Oh yeah Sheena told me what happenedst night. Sorry about it."


    "You really don''t remember anything?" Jordan''s eyebrow creased as he looked intently at Raven.


    Raven''s cheeks unconsciously turned red as she nodded and bowed her head.


    "I told you not to drink anymore. You can''t handle the alcohol right. You almost beat me up." Jordan said teasingly.


    "Why is Raven blushing? What are they talking about?" Chad murmured while observing the two in the kitchen. Sheena saw that too but shrugged her shoulders and get up.


    "Hmmm, that smells nice. Are you done? Let me help you set the table." Sheena interrupted as she moved to prepare the tes and the table.


    The food looked really good so Sheena thought it taste as good as the presentation.


    Well to be fair with Raven''s effort it''s no longer that bad but still it''s not that good either.


    On the contrary, the two boys werepeting to finish it all up.


    Sheena don''t know if she will burst out intoughter seeing how the two even had a fighting gaze over thest meat in the serving bowl.


    Raven at the same time can''t also believe how well the two ate her recipes. Her heart was racing with joy. She sliced some fruits and gave them sodas.


    After dinner, Raven''s mobile phone rang and it was a video call from his father.


    "How was your day my big Raven?" Senior Choi happily asked but frowned when he saw Jordan walking at Raven''s back to get water.


    "Is that Jordan?" Senior Choi asked.


    "Yes. Don''t you know about his business meetings here?" Raven asked and almost jumped off from her seat when Jordan''s face suddenly popped on her phone''s screen.


    He was leaning his chin on her left side shoulder.


    His cheek was almost touching her cheek as he spoke, "Hey dad, did you forget? You told me to stay here at Raven''s apartment instead during my business meetings here."


    Jordan did not even blink at his father while he uttered the words.


    While Jordan and Senior Choi talked, Raven''s heart was palpitating so fast right now. She quickly got up and gave her phone to Jordan instead so the two can talk.


    She went near the sink where Chad and Sheena were washing the dishes to get a ss of water.


    ''What is wrong with me?'' She asked herself but shook her head instead and brushed off the irregr feeling away.

 Chapter 17 I Will Buy You More Clothes

    The next day, Raven woke up with her usual routine. She went out directly to do some stretching at the balcony.


    The air outside was brushing at her messy hair while the morning sun hit at her face.


    Raven closed her eyes as she raised both her arms to feel the air.


    ''Ahhh. This feels so good,'' she thought while smiling.


    Jordan was drinking his coffee at the living room when Raven stepped out from her room with her sleeve and short in pink printed with an animated character.


    She was rubbing her eyes and directly walked towards the balcony. The girl did not even notice him.


    He was about to greet her but chose not to and followed her instead.


    ''Why is she doing her stretching at the balcony?'' Jordan thought frowning when he saw Raven''s bare lower back and lower side''s skin from behind whenever she will move her arms upward or do the side stretching.


    Jordan wanted to hug her from behind but controlled himself.


    His eyes widened when Raven did the standing half forward bending because he can clearly saw her bottom with her ck underwear from behind.


    Then she did the standing forward bending with her legs apart after.


    "Ahhh!" Raven screamed as she lost her bnce and had rolled forward.


    Jordan who was daydreaming at that time quickly walked at her and helped her got up.


    "Sorry, did I startle you? Are you alright?" Jordan asked while he looked at her arms and legs to see if she had a scratch or any wound with the sudden rolling.


    Raven was blushing so she answered with her head bowed down, "I''m okay. I thought you left for work already."


    "Nope. I''m free today. Sheena will have something to do at school today so she left early. Let''s go and get breakfast. I''ll wait for you to change." Jordan said to her.


    Raven was still out of herself but nodded and quickly run inside her room.


    She leaned at the door and put her hand to her chest. Her heart was beating so fast.


    ''What is wrong with my heart?'' There are instances where it will beat like that whenever Jordan is near her.


    She thought something was wrong with what she was feeling. But then she just brushed off the thought and went to the bathroom instead.


    She looked in the mirror and saw how messy her hair was.


    ''Gosh, I should learn to fix my hair first from now on before getting out of the room.'' She thought since Jordan will be around for days.


    --


    They just walk at the nearest caf¨¦ in the area.


    "Do you have anything to do for today?"Jordan asked while he looked at Raven who was drinking coffee.


    Raven just shook her head the asked, "Why?''


    "Let''s go shopping. I''ll buy you clothes for school. I heard that your university don''t have uniforms." Jordan said while checking something on his mobile phone.


    "There''s no need. I had many clothes already." Raven answered simply. She was quite confused right now. Jordan seemed to be in a good mood.


    ''I should probably cook more food for himter.'' She thought with a subtle smile as she remembered the saying that the way to a man''s heart is through his stomach.


    Raven''s eye widened with what she was thinking right now and unconsciously pinched her face to wake herself up.


    Jordan frowned, "What are you doing? Are you alright?"


    "Yeah I''m okay it''s just a habit. I do sometime pinch myself when I''m sleepy." She said smiling.


    "Am I too boring to be with?" Jordan asked while looking at her intently.


    Raven instantly waved her two hands as a gesture, "No no, it''s not you. Maybe it''s just cold here."


    "Alright, I will call Lou to pick us up here. I will buy you more clothes." Jordan said simply.


    Raven pursed her lips but did not refuse.


    "How are your meetings so far?" She suddenly asked Jordan to break the silence.


    Jordan smiled at her, "Nothing much. What would you like to do for this week? I''ll make time for you while I am still here."


    Raven raised an eyebrow and answered, "Are you sure?"


    "Yeah. Why? Just tell me what you want to do." Jordan asked still smiling.


    Raven smiled excitedly while answering, "Okay, I''ll make a list of what we should do while you are here. I''ll ask Lou your schedule first to check."


    "No, you don''t have to ask Lou my schedules. Just give me the lists and I''ll be the one to give it to him to check if there will be any conflicts." Jordan exined.


    His heart was bursting of joy just seeing Raven smiled like that showing the cute dimples on her cheeks.


    They went at thergest mall in the city. Jordan entered an exclusive boutique with branded wears and clothing''s for women.


    Raven just followed him around. He chose a wide variety of clothes for all four seasons. She was like a model, trying to fit all the clothes while he picked what to purchase and not.


    But there was something weird with his choices. Although elegant, ssy and very fashionable, but, most of the clothes were at the conservative type. They were all just knee length.


    She saw some particr outfits for summer that looks nice and pick it up. It was above her knees.


    Jordan seemed to disapprove on it but Raven pouted her lips, "I like these, they look good on me."


    "Way too good is not always good. You will attract more attention." Jordan jokingly said.


    "What do you mean?" Raven asked subconsciously.


    "Father said that I have to make sure you won''t attract many suitors so you won''t be in a rtionship early and run away from him." Jordan exined without even batting an eye.


    "What nonsense is that? I''m too young to even think about that?" Raven eximed in protest.


    Jordanughed wickedly and said, "Okay I will buy whatever you like as long as you promise not to entertain anyone until you graduate?"


    "I will ry it to dad so he will not worry anymore." Jordan added.


    Raven''s lips curved, "Alright I promised but he doesn''t have to worry anyway. Doesn''t he trust me? Beside, my priority is to finish my study first. Anyway, I will just call himter."


    She was throwing a tantrum and Jordan found it so cute.


    "Don''t call him about that. He doesn''t want to mention it to you directly because he knew you''ll get irritated somehow so he asked me instead." Jordan exined while he passed all the clothes Raven chose to the salesdy to be included with the rest of clothes they will buy.

 Chapter 18 I’m Waiting For You

    Before going out of his room Jordan received a message from his father early in the morning.


    [You brat, how long do you n to use me for your excuses?]


    [Just make sure you willpensate meter for that.]


    Jordan chuckled and sent a reply.


    [Will making you the most powerful and richest business tycoon in the world enough?]


    Senior Choi grinned at the reply of his son.


    ''Nah! All I want was to see you both happy.'' He thought and typed a reply to his son.


    [Just give me grandchildren. I want to y with my grandchildren before I die.]


    But he hesitated to press the send button and soon deleted the whole message and re-type.


    [Okay, just bring more money to thepany then.]


    Jordan chuckled seeing his father''s reply. He aimed to do that. He knew how his father loves thepany. He knew the story well. How his father had started from scratch.


    How people with power bullies the weak. He had witnessed it all at his young age.


    His father was trampled down but had managed to reach the top. He was proud of him and he intends to nourish and protect that achievement of his.


    He was greeted by Raven''s smiling face when he went out of his room. If only he could, how he loved to lock her in his embrace at that moment.


    "Let''s go?" Raven said. Jordan just nodded and followed her.


    They went at a family park near her apartment. The ce has paved paths,rge green areas and a refreshing pond. It''s a nice ce for a run. Raven had asked him and Sheena for a jogging but thetter refused to join.


    "Should we race and have a bet?" Jordan suggested while they are walking.


    Raven smiled, "Why not. What''s for the winner?"


    "How about following the winner around and do all the winner''s requests?" Jordan dered then stopped walking while he waited for her answer.


    Raven thought carefully before answering, "Hmm, that''s applicable during your stay here only right?"


    Jordan nodded.


    Raven started to position her body for running.


    "Let''s start at my count to three okay. One, two, three!" Raven shouted and began to run and gave her all. She must win. She was so excited that all the ideas on what she will have Jordan do were already running through her head.


    Raven stopped at a bench facing the pond feeling exhausted. She lost the bet. Howe Jordan ran so fast? She was behind with a half distance apart.


    "I''ll go get some water." Jordan offered seeing Raven was panting. After just a seconds Jordan handed her the bottle.


    "Thanks." Raven said then drank the water. Then she put the bottle down beside her.


    Jordan picked it up and drank on it also. Ravenmented, "You did not get one for yourself?"


    He just smiled at her andughed, "I thought I''m not thirsty."


    Raven: ...?


    They decided to eat cheeseburger for their post-run meal. Raven was so happy, spending time like this with Jordan.


    She can feel that he no longer hated her. She felt somewhat closer now with him.


    "Jordan, why don''t you have any girlfriend?" She asked out of curiosity. Jordan slightly coughed and Raven gave him water immediately.


    He looked at Raven attentively and sighed, "Who said I don''t have any?"


    Raven''s eyebrows creased. "You do? But I never heard any of it or seen anyone with you? I think your age is suitable already for marriage."


    "Besides, I heard you turned down all marriage proposals before." Raven continued.


    Jordan frowned and asked, "Do you think I''m already old?"


    Raven just nodded while continued to eat her burger. She did not notice how Jordan''s shoulders suddenly dropped at her nodding.


    "I just turned twenty seven and that''s not considered old at all. The marrying age for us guys is atte thirties don''t you know?" Jordan said with an irritated tone.


    Raven noticed the sulky reaction of Jordan. ''Crap did I say something bad? Is it the age thing?'' She thought to herself and panic.


    She smiled gawkily at Jordan, "I did not mean you''re old. But it''s just kind of weird that in that age you did not have any girlfriend up to now."


    Jordan remained silent and seemed to be in a deep thought.


    ''I''m waiting for you.'' He wanted to tell her that but he was afraid to do so. It''s too early...


    "How about you then on what age do you n to get married?" Jordan asked instead.


    Ravenughed and said, "Can I have a boyfriend first before getting married? Let''s just change the topic, it''s getting too serious."


    Then she thought she was the one who started the topic so she answered randomly, "Okay maybe I''ll be married at 29?"


    Jordan frowned, "You''re out of the calendar already at that age. Woman nowadays had their thing like expiration and should be married at twenty two or twenty three."


    Raven shrugged her shoulders and changed the subject instead.


    "Oh yeah right, what about your meetings? Do I have to follow you also there?" Raven suddenly asked.


    This time Jordan smiled and nodded. Raven''s eyes widened, "as in for real?"


    Jordan once again nodded.


    They were almost near at the apartment when Raven suddenly tripped on the loose stone.


    "Ahhh..." She moaned in pain. Jordan caught her arm.


    "Are you alright? Can you walk?" He asked in a worried tone.


    Raven tried to walk but felt some pain in her ankle. Jordan blocked her front and bent down.


    "You probably sprained your legs or ankle. Just get on my back I will carry you." He said.


    "No I''m okay just support my arm while I walk." Raven said shyly.


    "Okay you choose, get on my back right now or I will just carry you like a baby." Jordan said in a firmer tone while looking up at her.


    Raven chose the first and quickly round Jordan''s neck with her arms and round his waist with her legs.


    ''So this was the feeling when someone gave you a piggyback ride.'' Raven thought. She can smell Jordan''s sweat from the run. Raven wanted to nuzzle him senseless. The smell was intoxicating and she loved it.


    How she wished the piggyback ridested long. But unfortunately, they are about to enter her apartment now.


    Sheena opened the door and looked at them open-mouthed.


    ''Is that a running date?'' She thought raising an eyebrow as the two entered the living room.

 Chapter 19 How To Attract Younger Woman

    Although the doctor said that it was just a minor thing, Jordan still cancelled his appointments to apany Raven at home.


    Sheena was quite busy at the school and she had pestered Chad instead to be with her most of the time.


    Raven''s heart has been racing since morning. Jordan was pampering her like a baby.


    He even cooked lunch for her. He looked so manly even though he was using her pink apron. She had set her camera click into silent and she quickly took a stolen shot of him on her phone. She just can''t miss this one in a million opportunity. She smiled and looked bashful at her sneaking action.


    Jordan had cooked her favorite seafood dishes. He had helped her also in peeling the prawns. He went all the way with his pampering. Raven was so full after the lunch.


    "Howe you are good in cooking?" she asked Jordan smiling. Jordan just winked at her.


    Raven''s heartbeat this time almost stopped. Her face blushed as she turned around and walked slowly to the living area and got her book. She sat on the sofa and read instead.


    She looked like someone who was reading seriously but actually her mind was into something else. She certainly had a crush at Jordan. But prying deeper, she thought it was more than that. She likes him very much.


    Even now, she was bing a pervert. She wanted to be close to him and nuzzle his smell once more.


    ''This is normal and just part of my growing up stage.'' Raven sighed at her own thought.


    "I can manage here alone. Don''t miss your important appointments." Raven said simply seeing Jordan brought hisptop.


    Jordan sat beside her and answered, "Nothing much important today. Besides, I want to rest also. I''m exhausted with the run."


    Raven arched an eyebrow and thought to herself, ''How can he rest with theptop on? He is definitely working. His brain will be exhausted too.''


    Jordan got up to change position and sat on the sofa at the side instead.


    "Put your feet up while reading that''s morefortable," he suggested.


    Raven followed since that''s her usual position and oftentimes she does fell asleep while reading.


    She was facing Jordan on her current position and she clearly saw how he looked so serious while he was checking hisptop.


    She got curious and asked, "Isn''t work stressful? I''m pretty sure you were checking documents regarding thepany again with yourptop."


    Jordan looked at Raven and answered, "Not really, I am already used to it. Yeah I''m checking and reviewing some files."


    Ravens pursed her lips and continued with her reading. She did not notice Jordan''s crazy smile as he turned his eyes back to hisptop screen.


    He was not checking any files at all but was searching the web about the important rules on dating younger woman. Then a certain topic caught his attention --How to attract younger woman¡ª


    He''s been searching and reading the same subject at the web for almost thirty minutes or less now.


    Then he frowned at a particr reading that some women might be embarrassed or uncertain about the idea of dating an older man because sometimes they think that dating an older guy is somehow "wrong" or "weird".


    He was wondering if Raven at her age now thinks the same. He looked back at Raven to ask but found thetter asleep instead with her book below her chin.


    Jordan shook his head. Maybe it''s really better not to make any move for now. He got up and pulled out Raven''s book from her grasp.


    ''She looked like a sleeping beauty.'' He had thought while staring at her face.


    He bent his knees unconsciously as his gaze shifted to her lips. He slightly bowed down to give her a peck kiss on the lips. His face was now an inch closer to her when Raven unexpectedly opened her sluggish eyes.


    Jordan suddenly got nervous being caught-up and immediately acted like he had squeezed something at Raven cheek.


    He immediately got up and said, "I was about to carry you to your room but saw something crawling on your face. I think it''s an ant."


    Raven got up still yawning, "Okay, I will go inside and take a nap for a while. I feel sleepy."


    Jordan just nodded then said, "I will prepare dinnerter. What would you like to eat?"


    Ravenughed, "I will definitely get fat if you are the one to cook." Jordan was really good and she had meant what she said. If he continues with her kitchen she will definitely gain more weight.


    Jordan smiled at her sweetly and said, "That''s okay, you''re definitely still pretty with more weight."


    Raven blushed and gave him a shy smile before she quickly went inside her room. She actually ran towards her bed and sunk her face to her pillow. She felt butterflies in her stomach at Jordan''s simplepliment.


    She was no longer sleepy. Jordan was really good with her. ''Is it possible that he likes me?'' She thought recalling how Jordan was treating hertely.


    But what if he was just being a big brother to her? Maybe she was just over thinking things since she had a crush on him. Jordan''s actions were just a natural thing a big brother normally does so she prompted herself not to misinterpret his actions. He probably thought of her just like a little sister now.


    To protect her own feelings, Raven reminded herself not to expect anything at all.

 Chapter 20 Tickets At The Symphony Hall

    Raven can hardly sleep all night. Even in her dreams she''s been murmuring different ways to perfectly tie a necktie. Jordan''s first request was she does the tying of his necktie whenever he''ll need it.


    Today he had an important appointment and Jordan handed her his tie. He looked so amused on taking advantages of their bet.


    Raven made a face andmented, "You sure are enjoying this huh?" She had tightened the pull making Jordan slightly cough.


    "Hey be gentle, I''m just helping you out in the future," he said full of meaning and teasing her intentionally.


    Raven blushed and quickly turned around. Sheena just went out from her room and greeted them.


    "Is your leg okay now?" she asked seeing Raven was walking. Raven smiled and nodded.


    Lou arrived at the apartment to pick-up his Boss then the two left.


    Sheena and Raven were both drinking coffee at the balcony where they can see Jordan who just entered his car.


    Sheena noticed that Raven was staring at the moving car. She had sensed that the two became much closer. Jordan was definitely making his moves and she was curious right now if her friend can sense it already even though she was doubtful knowing Raven for so many years.


    "What do you think of Jordan? Do you like him now?" She asked directly. Raven was caught off guard and turned red.


    "Oh dear, look at you blushing, so that means you like him?" Sheena asked once more to reconfirm.


    This time Ravenughed and said in a jest, "Yes I do like him. Anyway, it''s just normal to admire someone right? He was too kind to me recently besides he was also handsome.


    Then her tone suddenly got serious, "He probably just sees me as a sister now. He was being good to me and taking care of me just what a big brother normally does."


    Sheena rolled her eyes. She did expect this of Raven''s super broadminded thinking. Ever since she had been friends with Raven, the only one thing she noticed bothersome was this attitude of hers of not giving any meaning to all things.


    It was more like she doesn''t rely based on actions only not unless she will directly hear the exact words from that certain person. She was with Raven since primary school and she was not like that before.


    Recalling the past, Sheena could tell that Raven''s drastic change started during their first half at secondary school.


    Likest year, she kept teasing Raven about their ss president having his eyes on her. Raven will always brush her off even using her of her judgemental mind and all.


    Then after the graduation ceremony that president of them took the confidence and confessed his feelings to Raven not minding her and Yan to hear those wrecking words of love.


    Sheena suddenly burst out intoughter at the thought of that awkward moment. Raven looked at her with narrowed eyes.


    "Oh I just remember an incident of how na?ve you can be likest year with our Mr. President." Sheena teased her friend.


    "So maybe Jordan liked you too not just as a sister but as a woman. Sometimes actions can tell it all." Sheena just suggested.


    Sheena''s mind was battling if she should tell Raven or not that Jordan definitely liked her as a woman. But it''s not in her character to meddle or interfere to serious topics like this and she has no right. It was definitely Jordan''s call to tell Raven his true feelings first.


    "One thing I''ve learned was that most of the time actions can be misleading. Like - you cannot based things on words alone - same goes with - you cannot based things on actions alone - . Both should be harmonious." Sheena heard Raven answered in a resilient tone.


    Sheena: "..."


    ---


    "Sir, these are the tickets you requested." Lou handed to Jordan two tickets for the ssical music concert at the Symphony Hall tonight. He had wanted to check this out with Raven.Although at first, he hesitated thinking Raven might be bored but his browsing at the inte yesterday had given him encouragement.


    He had read that instead of trying to meet her at her level, bringing her up to his level was much better. Bringing her into his world, rather than trying to cram himself into hers, and giving a new life experiences she wouldn''t get otherwise.


    So he sent a message to Raven.


    [Thepany gave me two tickets for the ssical music concert tonight at the Symphony Hall. You should apany me. I will pick you up by 5:00 ¨C let''s grab an early dinner first.]


    Raven''s eyebrows creased and replied seeing Jordan''s message.


    [Okay got it]


    She immediately went to her room and opened her closet. She doesn''t know what to wear.


    ''A semi-formal dress will probably do.'' She thought while scanning her wardrobe.


    ''Raven calm down.'' She scolded herself because she was feeling excited and nervous at the same time. After several trials of outfits she had chosen a simple sh neckce semi formal dress in wine red color and above her knee length showing her beautiful legs.


    "Wow, you look great and stunning." Sheenamented looking at her. She was sure there will be another jaw dropping scer like now with Chad who was with her in the living room.


    Raven was not into so much make-up and she really adored her friend having that natural beauty with her.


    She had told Chad that Raven will be out with Jordan and he insisted that they too should go and he will treat her. She refused since it''s not her thing and she will surely just sleep at the hall at most.


    Chad did not give up and tried to check if he can get any ticket for himself but unfortunately all sold-out and an early reservation was required.


    She doesn''t know if she willugh or cry with Chad''s bad luck. She decided to apany him to dinner and to a movie theater instead.

 Chapter 21 I Can Handle You Well Enough

    ''I bet Boss was on a cloud nine right now.'' He thought inwardly. Miss Raven was a stunningdy and no wonder his Boss was willing to wait that long. Lou can''t help but stole nces at his rear view mirror.


    Jordan coughed and spoke, "You look great."


    "Thank you. You too, well, you always looked good." Raven said shyly and smiled at him. She meant that. Jordan was really handsome in all aspect. Even he was just in a simple shirt and short.


    Jordan caught Lou''s nces and he frowned at him gesturing that he focussed on driving instead. He scratched his head because the Boss caught him. He must make sure to repent on itter.


    Lou dropped them off at a restaurant near the symphony hall. It was a sophisticated and modern New Ennd-French cuisine, with an emphasis on artisanal and New Ennd ingredients. They both had the Chef''s tasting menu with multiple courses including caviar and truffles.


    The food was good and the two decided to head out and walked at the symphony hall thirty minutes before the concert time. While walking, Jordan can feel Raven''s back hand brushed at his from time to time. He was hesitating if he would just grab it or do nothing at all.


    But his impulse told him to the first so he quickly held Raven''s hand. Raven looked at him while they walk hand in hand. He can feel her questioning eyes although she did notin or utter any words.


    So he just smiled at her and said, "I will lead the way we are almost there." Raven just nodded in return but still looked baffled.


    Attending the symphony was such an exciting experience for Raven. There was just something about the magnitude and majesty associated with the whole dynamic of being there and being surrounded by others who enjoy good music.


    They both enjoyed the performances. Jordan was so happy watching Raven''s mesmerized face from the moment they entered the hall and her attentiveness of the show.


    "The orchestra''s performance was really superb,"mented by Raven while they walked at the park near her apartment.


    "d you enjoyed it," Jordan replied while he followed Raven''s slow walking at the grass barefooted with her shoes on her hand.


    Raven insisted not to go home yet. She wanted to see the view of the night sky and stars from the park and asked Lou to get them things. So with Jordan''s hand was a nket and bag of snack and drinks which was quite heavy he thought.


    He messaged Lou that he can already leave seeing the car was still near at the park. Lou was smiling hard with his own ideas of repentance. He had remembered when Raven got drunk at the barst time his Boss was on a very good mood the next morning.


    The beers he bought had high alcohol content. He was sure his Boss will now forgive him at the minor incident earlier.


    Meanwhile, Raven stopped walking and seemed to find a good spot. She looked at Jordan and smiled, "let''s stay here for a while."


    Jordan nodded and quickly put down the nket and they sat beside each other.


    Jordan creased his forehead seeing what Lou had bought them. All drinks were beers in can and then snacks in partner.


    He heard Ravenughed then she said, "Looks like Lou wanted to get you drunk."


    Jordan shook his head and got one can opened and handed it to Raven. She raised an eyebrow and said, "I thought I''m no longer allowed to drink?"


    Jordanughed. ''Hmmm so obedient.'' He thought inwardly and was pleased of it. He narrowed his eyes and looked directly to Raven.


    "I will allow you for thest time. So its drink all you can for tonight." Then he winked at her. But Raven was still hesitating remembering how she can get out of hand whenever drunk.


    "I think I will pass, who knows what might happen next. I might do something worst than vomiting at your shirt." She said then looked at the sky instead seeing much of a night sky on a clear night.


    Jordan continued, "You are with me so you can trust me. I can handle you well enough." Then he gave her the beer. Raven no longer hesitated and took it.


    "Your eighteenth birthday ising." Jordan murmured while looking at the sky. Few stars were visible at that spot.


    Raven smiled. She almost forgot her own birthday howe Jordan remembers. Will she receive another package this year? Her birthday was on the 25th of December and every year Santa us was sending her a package. Yes every package she received had the sender named as Santa us.


    She suspected that it was one of her father''s sweet pranks but he strongly denied it was him and besides she was also receiving a separate gift from her father every year. Then she looked at Jordan to ask but she paused seeing the side view of him staring at the sky.


    ''What a breath taking view,'' she thought inwardly while she drank her beer.


    "We will arrange a party for you." Jordan blurted out.


    "No, I hate parties ¨C I really don''t want any celebration really. That''s winter break so I will juste home then and spend my birthday with you guys. No need for a party." She replied.


    "But, that happens once in a lifetime only. Every girl celebrates their eighteenth birthday even grandly." Jordanmented still looking at the sky.


    He knew Raven was not fond of parties. But still he at least wanted to make it memorable for her. His father was even eager to organize it with or without Raven''s permission.


    "No parties and we are good." Raven insisted before opening another can of beer. Since this will be herst alcoholic drink she should seize the opportunity. The air at the park felt good. Raven stood up and swirled around unconsciously.

 Chapter 22 Dilemma

    Jordan can''t take his eyes off from Raven right now. He was watching her enjoying the night, spinning around like a blissful kid on a y ground. However, he panicked and got up seeing Raven''s dress was moving up whenever she swirls, showing a glimpse of her under wear.


    He caught her to his embrace and whispered to her ear, "Stop that, do you want to catch more attention? Catching mine will be enough."


    Jordan looked around and sighed. It was a good thing people were not that near to their spot. Then he shifted his gaze back to Raven. Her face was flushed already because of the beer.


    ''So pretty, she''s like a doll.'' He thought inwardly.


    He then frowned seeing there were three cans of beers opened. ''That fast? Did she drink it like water?''


    He did not even notice it because he was too busy with his own dilemma while looking at the sky.


    He wanted to tell Raven what he truly feels towards her at this moment but he doesn''t know where to start and he was having a second thought if it''s the right time to do so.


    He had set his mind before that he will wait until Raven finished her studies but when he had experienced spending time with Raven and doing things together, he felt that he can no longer wait.


    His thought was interrupted by Raven''s tap on his shoulder and sweet smile at him.


    "I really enjoyed the night. Can we go out again tomorrow?" Raven asked pouting her lips while looking intently at him. Jordan nodded like a puppy in return.


    Raven was so happy and suddenly pounced at him causing Jordan to lose his bnce. They both fell with Raven on top of him.


    He can no longer contain himself and rolled over to change their position. Raven was about to apologize while smiling at him.


    "Hmm sorr..." Her words were cut off by Jordan''s lips that quickly covered hers.


    Raven eyes were opened, she can clearly saw Jordan and she was feeling his lips were moving on hers. She can feel her body got tense because of the heat running through her blood. She can''t tell if it''s because of the alcohol or Jordan''s kissing.


    His lips taste kind of sweet. Oh wait it''s his tongue that was entangling with hers. Unconsciously, she wrapped her arms on his neck and answered his kisses with the same intensity.


    Jordan left her lips to trail down his kisses to her neck down to her corbone.


    Raven let out a faltering moan when Jordan bit her shoulder and sucked it like a lollipop.


    "Hey get a room guys, you''re not allowed to do it here at the park." they heard a shout from a bystander who had walked passed them.


    Jordan suddenly rose up and scratched his head. ''Ahh this is shameless.'' He thought to himself.


    Raven sat on the nket and grabbed another beer.


    "That''s enough. We need to go back. Can you walk?" Jordan asked Raven.


    But she narrowed her eyes at him and said, "You said drink all I can!"


    "Okay but let''s continue inside the house," he suggested while he started to clean up their things.


    Then he went back to Raven offering his hand to help her get up on her knees.


    Raven grabbed it then wrapped her arms on Jordan''s left arm and embraced it like a pillow.


    He gently pushed her right arm instead to grip her right palm with his left palm. Then he let Raven''s other hand to hold on his arm for support.


    Raven leaned her head to Jordan''s shoulder while they walked hand in hand. Jordan was feeling contented right now having Raven just like this beside him.


    "Will you still remember what happened tonight?" Jordan asked subconsciously.


    "Maybe not or maybe yes? Maybe it was up to you or me?" Raven giggled like a crazy person.


    Jordan inhaled and exhaled deeply. He won''t be able to confess tonight seeing Raven was already out of herself.


    ---


    "Are you sure you don''t want to tell the children about your condition? I think it would be best that they know." The doctor said looking at Senior Choi.


    "No need to bother the kids'' Doc. Besides, I know you will do your best to heal me." Senior Choi said jokingly andughed.


    "Of course we will do our best. We need to schedule your surgery and we have to condition your body first." Then the doctor had instructed the things he needs to follow before the surgery.


    Senior Choi wanted to do the surgery after his big Raven''s winter''s break. He knew how stubborn she was. If she knew about it she will definitely stop going to school to take care of him herself. And he doesn''t want that to happen.


    His poor son might be a monk by that time.


    It would be best that big Raven could at least finish her college and had a proper degree. In their kind of world one must be with strong foundation, both mentally and physically.


    Anyway nothing matters, as long as Jordan and him were here with her. The he suddenly frowned because he knew that there wille a time that he soon will not be there for the children.


    Senior Choi let out a long sighed.


    With them backing big Raven up might not be enough. He also wanted Raven to establish herself. It will help her be stronger in the future so whatever may happens no one can step on her that easily.

 Chapter 23 Hide And Seek Thing Scenario

    Sheena was busy searching the inte on her mobile phone while she was having her breakfast. She was looking for ces to hang up with Chad when Jordan stepped out on his room.


    "Is everything okay with your admission?" Jordan asked her while he was preparing breakfast which was obviously for Raven.


    Sheena answered simply, "Yeah already finished everything yesterday. ss will start in two days time. Thanks again."


    Jordan just nodded and continued, "I am preparing Raven''s breakfast then will head-out to the office for some time. If you will need anything, you can contact Lou directly."


    "Ahm you should prepare something for brunch instead because I''m sure she''ll wake upte." Sheena suggested.


    ''Gee, I thought Raven was no longer allowed to drink, so if she''s with Jordan that doesn''t count?'' She thought in protest at the back of her mind.


    Sheena sighed, one more day and she can rest on entertaining Chad just to divert his attention out from Raven. And finally, her generous Boss Jordan will also soon leave the apartment.


    ''Yeheyyyy.'' She was rejoicing at the thought of it. She was kind of suffocated seeing those two lovers with their hide and seek thing scenario regarding their feelings.


    Jordan left after preparing everything for Raven. He just sent a message to Raven regarding their movie theatreter. He had instructed Lou to make all the preparations for their walkter.


    --


    Raven was still wearing her dressst night and her head was aching. She woke up with the grumbling of her stomach.


    She had checked her mobile phone first.


    [I will go out to pick up Chad at his hotel. I will tour him around before he leaves. Jordan prepared brunch for you, still on the stove. Just heat it up.]


    Raven suddenly felt sad that she wasn''t able to spend enough time with his friend Chad before leaving the country. Time fled so fast. She read Jordan''s messages.


    [Did you enjoy the food? Drink the medicine after.]


    [Message me what time you will be ready for the movie theatreter.]


    She hurriedly went out to grab her brunch cooked by Jordan and as usual it was good. His future wife will be so lucky. She thought enviously.


    After lunch, she drank the medicine and headed directly for bath.


    She unzipped her clothes and pulled it out. While she was on the tub massaging her neck she noticed a dark spot on her shoulder.


    ''What is this? Did I bump into something?'' Raven thought looking at the bruise like mark on her shoulder.


    Then she tried to recollect what had happenedst night. She was at the park with Jordan and she got drunk. That was the only thing she remembered.


    ''Did I make a fuss again?'' She frowned still thinking hard if she can remember something. Then she decided to just ask Jordan instead.


    After fixing herself up she replied on Jordan''s messages.


    Raven


    [The food was really yummy. You are really good in cooking. *thumbs up emoticon* Thanks much.]


    Jordan


    [*wink and smiley emoticon* Are you ready? I wille pick you up.]


    Raven


    [Not yet, thirty minutes more and all done.]


    Then Raven wanted to add more but kind of hesitating¡­ But she still sent the words.


    [Take care on your way.]


    Then she giggled and threw her phone on the bed before getting dressed. She was feeling giddy with her own simple endearment.


    ---


    On the other hand, Jordan was feeling restless. He will fly back home tomorrow and he was still in the same dilemma -- To confess early or wait still? Questions were running through his heads in parade.


    What would be Raven''s reaction?


    Will she ept him?


    Does she like him as a man?


    Or she just sees him like a big brother only?


    Will she be disgusted?


    Will she turn him down?


    Will she turn away and get ufortable with him afterwards?


    He can''t breathe with the negativity that swaying him to pull back and wait further more. Raven was like a fruit, still unripe and not for picking if you will base everything on her age.


    Then Jordan pictured a very sour face of Raven looking at him since she was still not ripe.


    He suddenlyughed at his own crazy thought.


    Then he sighed deeply once more. This was the hardest equation he encountered in his life. He can definitely solve and decide on anything about thepany howsoever crucial it maybe. But when ites to Raven¡­


    Lou who was arranging some documents inside then shook his head seeing how his Boss wasughing on his own. Awhile ago, the Boss kept on sighing. Then he will frown and nowughing?


    ''Being in love to younger girls was surely a headache.'' He wanted to voice that out to his Boss. Then he suddenly thought of Sheena. She was bothering him for some time now.


    It started when he had showed up to their house and helped her with the guys who made a fuss and mess because of their family debts. He just did what he needed to do.


    From that day onward, Sheena was bold enough to keep sending him messages. He never missed a day without her messages.


    Previously, he received a message from her.


    [me your Boss okay, his word is that to go directly to you if I will need anything.]


    [I need a boyfriend.]


    She treated him like her daily diary. Telling him what she did all day whether it was funny or embarrassing stuffs.


    Then she will ask what he was doing or how was his day. Sometimes he would reply in a simple answer sometimes he would not or forgot to reply when he was busy.


    But what was confusing was she was quiet and tamed whenever they see each other as if she was not the Sheena who was pestering him on the mobile phone.


    ''Is she that bored and chose me to be her ymate?'' Lou sighed before he decided to reply at Sheena''sst message.


    [Where are you?]


    Sheena replied¡­


    [I''m on a date with Chad.]


    Lou: "....."

 Chapter 24 Let Me Help You Remember

    Raven suddenly had a vague memory of what happenedst night while she was looking at herself in the mirror andbing her hair. She shook her head and thought that it was probably just a dream.


    She looked at the mark on her shoulder once more and finally was convinced that the thing really happenedst night.


    She did remember some scenes like Jordan kissing her on the neck and biting her shoulder. Her face suddenly reddened.


    Then her mobile phone rings and it was Jordan. She cleared her throat and answered.


    She was now hesitating if she will go out or not. She was kind of shy to face Jordan.


    ''Wait! Should I be the one to be embarrassed?'' She asked her inner self. She was sure she quite wasn''t the one who initiated something for that to happen. She will never do that. Or did she?


    Raven shook her head once more. Drinking alcohol was really not for her.


    --


    Jordan and Raven was both quiet inside the car. ''What is this strange feeling? Did they quarrel?'' Lou thought keeping himself not to look at the rear view mirror. He made sure of a romantic arrangement for the two. Will it just go to waste?


    "Oh it''s the drive-in theatre," Raven suddenly blurted out when she saw the big screen and cars on an open area. She and Sheena did want to experience and try it out next.


    Lou sighed hearing someone finally talked. A van was already arranged at the best spot for them. Lou just dropped them off and immediately left.


    Raven looked at the back of the Mercedes Benz van facing the screen with slightly opened mouth.


    ''What is this, a bedroom inside the van? Are we going to sleep here?'' Raven wanted to voice out.


    Everything was settled with a mattress,forter and even pillows.


    "Lou arranged everything. I just asked him to get a car for the drive in theatre," Jordan said defensively looking at Raven''s stunned face.


    Then he added, "The movie will start in ten minutes."


    "What are we going to watch?" She asked Jordan while she sat and positioned herself inside the van.


    Jordan handed her the popcorn, some snacks and bottles of water and soda.


    "It''s a horror film like what you requestedst night. Don''t you remember?" Jordan looked at her closely.


    Raven froze and panicked. ''What does he meant by that? Is he trying to check if I remember what happenedst night?''


    "Oh I see I asked that? Hmm you know well how I cked out when drunk. Sorry." She said slightly bowing her head to hide her blushing face.


    "No you did not ck out, you''re just more impulsive but it''s nothing that I can''t handle." Jordan said simply.


    Raven: "¡­...?"


    ''What is he implying by that? Did I really start the kiss thing?''


    She really can''t remember how it happened nor started but she does recall they were both kissing each other. Raven once again blushed at the thought. That was her first kiss and it was with Jordan.


    If she was the one initiated that kiss, then Jordan as a straight guy will of course response right? If it was another girl will he kiss back or not?


    ''Maybe I''m thinking too much and it''s just not a big deal to him.'' She thought to herself while making a quick nce at Jordan.


    The movie started and they were watching a Stephen King''s "IT". The mattress was reallyfortable so Raven leaned her back on the pillows while sitting. She had gestured Jordan to sit like her since he looked stiff on his position.


    He had followed and sat beside Raven. Raven will scream out of surprise from time to time. This was what she loved the most. No one will hush her while she was watching.


    She even dropped words andments like, -- Oh the clown was already there -- Run -- Hide -- At your back --


    Jordan on the other hand still remained silent so she looked at him to see if he was watching or sleeping.


    But she had regretted doing that and would like to pull back her gaze. She had caught Jordan on the spot staring at her instead of watching.


    She calmed herself and raised an eyebrow then asked, "Ahm do I have something on my face? Or am I too noisy?"


    She saw Jordan shook his head then sighed deeply. His forehead creased.


    "Are you sure you really don''t remember anythingst night?" He asked still looking intently on her eyes.


    "Nope. Why?" Raven answered. She was beginning to get tense.


    Jordan moved to face her then he raised his hand unexpectedly to her shoulder and pulled her sleeve up.


    Jordan continued to ask her, "How about this, you also don''t remember how you got these?"


    "Ahmm No. I probably bumped my shoulder into somethingst night? Why?" Raven was now stuttering with her answer.


    She saw Jordan frowned and blew an air to his forehead bangs.


    ''This was frustrating.'' Jordan thought. How can she manage things simply like this while he was almost going crazy? He can no longer take this.


    He looked straight into her eyes and said in a snappy tone, "That''s a bite mark a hickey for goodness sake!"


    But Raven remainedposed.


    "Haha don''t be funny and let''s just watch. Why would I have a hickey? You are the only one with mest night. Do you happen to bite me?" She said jokingly killing the nervousness and tension of their conversation.


    "What if I did?" Jordan asked her without blinking an eye.


    Raven was caught off guard with that and seemed to lose her tongue.


    Then she still managed to joke out, "You are probably drunk? Or maybe I had done something so you made a prankst night?"


    Jordan''s lips curled as heughed crazily, "A prank you say? Something like this?"


    Before Raven could react, Jordan swiftly moved pinning her down with him on top of her.


    "Let me help you remember what happenedst night." She heard his hoarse voice.

 Chapter 25 You Will End Up To No One But Only Me

    ''Let me help you remember.'' The words keep popping on Raven''s head. Her eyes were blinking like flickering lights with an electrical problem.


    Jordan''s face was so close on hers. She can feel the rapid thumping of her own heart. She can clearly see the desire on his eyes. She was about to say something but Jordan already sealed her mouth.


    He was gently kissing her. Raven closed her eyes when things suddenly became blurry. She just let Jordan do his way with her lips. He was probing deeper, exploring her inner mouth searching for her tongue to meet his.


    He suddenly left her lips to nibble her ear while he whispered, "Make sure that you remember this."


    Then he began to kiss her on the neck biting her and sucking. Raven was going nuts with the sensation she was feeling.


    Raven was distracted with the ringing of her mobile phone that made her opened her eyes. She muste back to her senses. She quickly pushed Jordan away from her.


    She saw him creased his forehead. His dazed eyes were still locked at hers.


    Raven cleared her throat, slightly bowed her head down and murmured, "I''m sorry if I messed upst night."


    Jordan held her shoulders while making her face him and spoke, "this has nothing to do aboutst night. I''ve wanted to tell you this for a long time now. Raven, I like you as a woman. I really do."


    Raven was getting what Jordan was saying but she was still in shock hearing those words from him.


    "Actually I lo¡­"


    Raven heard Jordan was about to say more but panic struck her and she quickly stopped him with her palm.


    "Stop! Don''t continue please¡­"she begged as she looked directly to his eyes.


    "I am really sorry Jordan. I don''t want something like that. I¡­ prefer that we maintain our rtionship like before, as a family. If we became lovers and things does not work out for us along the run¡­ I ¡­ I ¡­" Raven was stammering while she uttered the words.


    Then she continued, "I don''t want to lose another family."


    Yes Raven was scared to fail. If everything became a mess she may jeopardize even the rtionship with her father. And she was not willing to take that risk.


    "I''m..."she wanted to exin to Jordan but she can''t find the words.


    "Enough already..." Jordan said in a calm tone. Then he called Lou to pick them up.


    Raven felt relieved somehow that Jordan no longer pushed the matter. She was really not ready to be in a rtionship especially with Jordan.


    She then saw Jordan at her side opened one bottle of water, drank it straight in one go and squeezed it as soon as drained, creating a crisp sound.


    Raven bit her lower lip and sighed. It started when Sheena had asked her if she likes Jordan. Yes she did and from that day on she started analyzing the pros and cons. She bnced everything out and came to a decision if something like this would happen.


    No one can predict what will be the future holds.


    She knew her choice was very pessimistic and cowardly at all. She likes Jordan but not yet probably to the extent that she was willing to gamble other things for that feeling.


    She was not sure either if she made the right decision or not and if she will regret itter on or not. Or maybe she was not just matured enough to sort things out¡­


    She looked at her mobile phone and the missed call was from Chad then a message followed.


    [Raven my flight is tomorrow. Can we at least grab a cup of coffee at the airport please?]


    She replied, [Yeah sure, see you tomorrow.]


    --


    All were quiet inside the car. Lou can sense that eerie feeling and aura from his Boss.


    ''Oh no, he looked like he has been rejected!'' He thought inwardly seeing his Boss'' long face as if it was suppressing something.


    Lou dropped Raven off the apartment and his Boss did not go with her instead he asked him to drive. He asked where to go but the only answered he got was "Just drive¡­" in a sluggish tone.


    Lou knew that Raven was good in rejecting men but it does not ur to him that his Boss will be included among those doomed men. He shook his head, ''Young girls are really a headache.'' With his Boss it was a headache and now heartache.


    Jordan asked Lou to stop the car. He walked at the park and paused at the pond at his front. He picked up some stones and made several throws at the pond.


    He''s been like that for ten minutes then he smirked. He did not expect this. His heart was in so much pain right now. He had waited patiently and was rejected just like that. His tears started to fall without him noticing it.


    "Urgghh¡­"


    ''What a sissy'' He thought to himself the let out a scornfulugh. He was too old to act like this.


    He understands Raven''s sentiments of course. It was her opinion and she was entitled to it. But he definitely can''t ept those excuses.


    ''Give her some more time to mature.'' He convinced his inner self. He had decided to give Raven some space on her own to grow. He will no longer pursue her for now.


    Then he sighed deeply. But he definitely knew what he wanted.


    "Just wait and see. You will end up to no one but only me!"

 Chapter 26 Don’t Forget What You Had Promised

    ''The pitiful flowers,'' Sheena thought while she watched Raven picking on the petals of the flowers in their flower vase ced at the center table of the dining room.


    "He hates me? He hates me not? He hates me? He hates me not?" Raven already picked and wasted three stems of flowers.


    Sheena rolled her eyes at her and quickly took away the vase when she saw Raven was about to pick her red roses next. Today was Jordan''s flight and Lou dropped by an hour ago to get Jordan''s luggage and things.


    Lou brought with him a bouquet or red roses and gave those to her defending that it will add more color on their flower vase.


    Hemented that theirs which were peach and cream lisianthus were too pale in color and do not fit the inside of the apartment at all. Sheena smiled secretly because she had her own interpretation on things like that.


    "Stop it already. He does not hate you okay. He was just probably hurt and broken hearted right now but he will definitely not hate you." Sheena dered in a confident tone.


    Last night, she was startled with the sudden knocking of Raven at her door waking her up at almost midnight. Well, she did expect that sooner orter but not the rejection thing. She was sure Raven liked Jordan but Raven had her own reasons not to ept him for now.


    Sheena saw Raven sighed deeply and cupped her face with both hands at side while her elbow stood as support on the table. You can see the slightly dark circles below her eyes.


    Jordan did note back at the apartmentst night and Raven was restless all night because of that. She wanted to call or send him a message but she hesitated thinking that it would be best to let him be for now.


    She had wanted to ask Lou before where Jordan was but chose not to. Raven once again sighed and stared at her mobile phone.


    ''Maybe I should call him or send a message instead but I don''t know what to tell him,'' she thought helplessly.


    On the other hand, her door suddenly opened and Jordan appeared in front of her.


    "Aren''t you supposed to be in the airport already? Did you forget something?" Sheena asked him then she shifted her gaze to Raven who suddenly bit her lower lip and can''t seemed to know how she would react.


    "Yeah I just forgot something inside the room." Jordan said and made a quick nce at Raven.


    Raven was feeling tongue-tied. Their eyes met and he greeted her casually before going inside his room.


    "Hey are you alright?" She heard Sheena asked her while she was waving her hand at her face to wake her up. She just nodded.


    '' Jordan seemed to be fine. She must be worried for nothing.'' Raven thought inwardly.


    "Should you at least escort him down to his car?" Sheena continued.


    Raven once again nodded. She was so absent minded right now.


    "Hey if you will act like that, then why did you turn him down on the first ce? You actually looked like as someone who was feeling guilt or regret."


    Raven pouted her lips and spoke, "Why are you so straight forward, always hitting the right note. Hmmp!"


    Sheena justughed and shrugged her shoulders.


    "I will just change, let''s meet Chad early." Sheena continued then walked back to her room. At the same time Jordan was out.


    Raven looked at him and said, "Hmm I will apany you down." She saw Jordan creased his forehead so Raven unconsciously bit her lower lip.


    Jordan suddenly pursed his lips for a silly smile and said, "Okay let''s go then."


    Raven followed him as they went inside the elevator. They were alone and Jordan was at her back. She pressed the ground floor button.


    "Uhmm, where did you sleepst night?" She asked him hesitantly but heard no response so she turned around to face him and see if he was okay.


    "What is it to you where I sleep?" Jordan spoke looking at her closely waiting for her answer.


    Raven bit her lower lip once again. She can''t find the words to say anything.


    Jordan grinned this time and said in a teasing tone, "I''ve noticed you''ve been biting your lower lip for some time now. I did not kiss you that long enoughst night to make it sore right?"


    "No, no, it''s not that. I just don''t know what to say. I am really sorry Jordan I did not expect¡­" she said, stuttering the words.


    "Shhh just don''t say anything. Do you think this will be enough for reconciliation or breaking your so called big brother''s heart?" Jordan murmured in a husky tone.


    Before Raven could react Jordan already swept her to his embrace as he locked her lips with his own and kissed her deeply. He was rough like he was punishing her for what she did to him.


    Raven can feel his tight embrace and biting of her lips between the deep kissing. He was pulling and sucking at her lips and it kind of hurt. But Raven did not decline or struggle. She just let Jordan on his way.


    Then they heard the elevator sound as it opened.Jordan suddenly let her go, leaving her gasping for air.


    "I guess that one will cause your lips to sore. Don''t follow me and go back to your unit now. We are even now. All you need to do is focus on your studies and be goodter." He whispered on her ear then turned his back on her.


    When the elevator was about to close, Jordan stopped it and went back inside to steal a peck kiss on her swollen lips and said, "Don''t forget what you had promised."


    After that, Jordan disappeared in an instant from her sight. While she just froze inside the elevator that opens and closes at the ground floor thrice since she hasn''t press yet the button for her floor.


    Raven was taken aback and trying to recall the promise she made mentioned by Jordan. Then she touched her lips unconsciously.


    Raven touched her burning cheeks with both hands remembering the promise Jordan was referring to.

 Chapter 27 Ravens Photos

    These past few days Senior Choi can no longer stayed up toote at night so he always sleeps early. He sighed deeply. Months had passed just like that and everyone were so busy. Even his big Raven was busy at school and they can only talk at weekend at most whenever she''s avable at daytime.


    While his son Jordan just got worst on killing most of his time at work since the day he came back home from his trip at Raven''s ce. He became stringent and someone who was impossible to contradict. He had be famous as the ''Irond CEO'' of thepany and his son doesn''t seem to care.


    Senior Choi got an invitation for one of the biggest party in the country and he and his son was the usual VIP on most prestigious events. He was kind of tired on attending these kinds of gatherings. But at least one, between him and Jordan should be present on this kind of event.


    His son had no interest on parties ever since and at most will just let him attends on his own as always. But the situation was different now since he was getting old. Also, his doctor advised him not to exhaust himself for hising operation.


    He had his regr check-up and decided to drop by at Jordan''s office since he was often asleep already whenever Jordan will arrive home at night.


    "Hey brat, are you eating in time or having enough time to sleep at least? We don''t need much money so you don''t need to wear yourself out too much. You know, I can''t bring that with me when I die anyways." Senior Choi jested.


    Jordan frowned and answered while signing a paper, "What are you saying, you will live for many more years and I''m sure about that?"


    "How can you be so sure?" Senior Choi said while he sat on a chair.


    "Well, simply because weeds do not die easily?" Jordan grinned as he rose up from his chair to sit at the opposite one facing his father.


    Senior Choi just ignored him and handed him an invitation. Once again Jordan frowned and looked straight at him and spoke, "Dad you know I hate attending those. You are the one good on PR."


    Senior Choi inhaled deeply. He was thinking if he will tell Jordan his condition but he was still hesitating. His son had too much on his shoulder right now and he doesn''t want to add any more worry to him.


    He suddenly remembered something on his mobile phone. He quickly ran his finger to the gallery and spotted Raven''s photos in two piece swimsuit.


    Senior Choi grinned then showed his mobile phone to his son. "How about I send you this picture then, will you attend the party instead?"


    Jordan was expressionless while he stared at the photo.


    "When is that event?" he asked simply.


    Senior Choi ''s eyes sparked. ''I am a genius!'' He thought inwardly knowing he had so many photos of Raven in the gallery of his mobile phone to bargain with his son in the future.


    "I can''t remember just look at the invitation yourself," Senior Choi was still grinning.


    Jordan scanned it and gazed intently at his father and spoke seriously, "I will attend this party in just one condition. You send me all Raven''s photos in your phone and considered this done. If not then you go and attend this party instead."


    Jordan called for Lou then he added still looking at his father, "Give your phone to Lou. It will just take a minute."


    Senior Choi was caught off guard and can''t do anything but to give Lou his mobile phone.


    He shouldn''t just store it all to his mobile phone. Senior Choi shook his head. He almost forgot how clever his son was.


    After his dad left the office, Jordan looked at Raven''s photos which were all copied to his mobile phone andptop.


    He let out a long sighed. Sheena was reporting to him Raven''s movements and he was happy that she was doing well with her studies. ording to Sheena, Raven was also so active in schools clubs and was enjoying a lot so far.


    He missed her badly that was why he was shifting his attention at work more to kill time at most. ''Let her enjoy the college life.'' He told his inner self.


    Lou interrupted his thought. "Sir, the Wang Motor Corporation representatives are already waiting at the conference room."


    Jordan had changed his wallpaper with Raven''s photo during her senior high school graduation day. She was so cute with her smile showing her dimples. Afterwards, he rose up and walked outside his office to proceed at the conference room while his subordinates followed him.


    At the conference room, Wang Motor Corporation had presented theirpany background and their intention for coboration, to create Choizen Car Mode Application an in-car solution that seamlessly connects Choizen smartphones to Wang Motor''s In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) system.


    The coboration will see the integration of a wide array of Choizen''s smartphone and mobilemunication technologies with Wang Motor''s cutting-edge IVI to add enhanced connectivity, multimedia capabilities and inte services.


    Jordan was quite impressed with how thedy had presented everything which had caught his attention. It was a promising coboration where he was sure bothpanies will be benefited equally. So without further ado, he announced his positive feedback.


    Thedy who had presented was Ms. Lin Wang, the only daughter of President Wang.


    "Thank you Mr. Choi for your positive feedback. We are looking forward to start these ns together as soon as possible." Ms. Wang said shing her best smile to Lou''s Boss. Lou smelled something fishy with thedy as if she was trying hard to get his Boss'' attention.


    "You can discuss everything with my assistant Lou." Jordan answered simply before bidding his goodbye and left the conference room.


    His Boss'' never disappoints him with his aloofness to girls. Lin Wang was also beautiful but if she will bepared to his Boss'' first love Raven, she''s definitely just a backdrop.


    Lou shook his head while he followed his Boss. Then he looked at his mobile phone. There was still no message. Howe she did not send me anything at all?


    Lou was hesitating if he will message Sheena first or just wait for her new story within the day.

 Chapter 28 Her Love Life Can Follow Afterwards

    "Wow this girl was kinda stingy," Sheena whined while she was checking the on her mobile phone.


    Raven remained quiet and continued to read her book. She knew who the person Sheena was referring to. It was Lin Wang the only daughter of one of the biggestpany in their country.


    She herself was quite impressed with the achievement of the heiress in an article she had read. She was theplete package of beauty and brain plus wealth of course. Everyone surely drooled over her.


    Sheena rose up and sat beside her. She showed her the screen. It was Jordan together with Lin Wang who encircled her arm to Jordan Like a snake ¨C they were one of the trending topics right now because of the coboration betweenpanies.


    But most of all, it was because of their visuals together, the media was linking these two together as the new well-matched couple in the business world.


    Sheena clicked the video interview and they watched it together.


    "With a passion for innovation andmitment to drive the advancement of the mobile and vehicle industry, Choizen Group looks forward to the shared sess of this coboration," dered by Jordan.


    Then the camera was focused to Lin Wang who spoke next, "Together, Choizen Group and Wang Motor Corporation are opening the door to the Smarter Car Era.


    She heard Sheenaughed. "Why do I feel like the word TOGETHER had some hidden meaning like it was not thepanies'' coboration but her and Jordan instead?"


    Raven just stretched her arms and yawned. Sheena can''t believe how Raven was so calmed and not even affected by the news.


    "Sheena, you are over reacting. There''s nothing wrong with their speech okay. There you go again with giving other meanings on small things." Raven said simply while she continued on her reading.


    "Aren''t you jealous at all? What if that Lin Wang snatches Jordan away from you?" Sheena asked in awe. She still can''t get used on how open-minded Raven was. So she was really anticipating the time she can witness how Raven looked in jealousy.


    ''Will that time evere?'' Sheena thought inwardly. Just how confident her friend was? Or how stone hearted? Or so low on EQ? Sheena blew an air to her forehead.


    Ravenughed this time and reminded her friend, "We are not in a rtionship Sheena."


    "But you like each other." Sheena still insisted.


    Raven sighed and spoke, "if we are meant to be together then we are going to be together at the right time. If he decided to be in a rtionship, he''s free to do so."


    Raven''s top and most priority right now is to be someone with attainment. She just wanted her father to be proud of her.


    For Raven, she can show her gratitude to her father''s generosity if she can be someone he could be proud of. Then her love life can follow afterwards.


    Winter break ising and she was so excited to return back home to see everyone, most especially Jordan.


    Remembering thest time she saw Jordan, Raven''s face suddenly blushed. She had kept her promise to him up to now. She was not that stupid. She knew Jordan liked her. However, she was not sure how long that feeling willst. She was not against to a long distance rtionship but she was also not into that kind of thing.


    Ravenughed suddenly at the thought of her guy ssmates in each subject that she had turned down and rejected instantly. But there is one consistent person that doesn''t give up on whatever she does and says just shooing him off.


    She was enjoying at her schooling right now. She had met new friends from different countries and culture. All went smooth so far.


    Her flight was booked in two days time. Raven looked at her mobile phone and called her father.


    "I''m sorry father. I was not able to talk to you often." She said in a soft voice.


    "That''s okay my big Raven. I know you are busy at school especially with the exam period. Anyways, you will be returning soon so we will have plenty of time. Plus your birthday ising and your old man here will make sure to make it memorable for you.'''' Senior Choi smiled at her.


    Raven pouted her lips, "I told you no need to bother and let''s just spend it at home with you, Jordan, Nanny Rong and closest friends."


    "Just let me do things my way this time Raven. It''s your father''s wish. Just this once please?" Senior Choi blinked his eyes and copied her pouted lips.


    Ravenughed. "Alright stop that already. Do as you wish then and I will notin at all."


    Senior Choi''s eyes brightened. He had so many ns for Raven''s eighteenth birthday. He wanted to make sure that it would be the most talked about event afterwards.

 Chapter 29 You Are The Bes

    Jordan forgot some important documents in his room so he asked his driver to go back at the mansion. He called Lou to handle everything about the meeting on his behalf until his return.


    His room was at the end of the hallway. He stopped near his father''s door which was slightly opened hearing Nanny Rong was crying.


    ''What is going on?'' Jordan''s heartbeat skipped a beat thinking something bad had happened. He was about to enter to check but suddenly paused when he heard his father''s voice.


    "Nanny Rong, do not worry. I will be fine. This is why I am hesitating to tell you or not because you will be like this. You know how this old man hates dramas." Senior Choi said while heughed.


    "Old Master, how can you stillugh right now? There''s nothing funny at all. You should at least tell the kids about it." Nanny Rong was still sobbing while she spoke.


    Senior Choi sighed deeply, "I don''t want the kids to worry. You well know how those two will behave if they found out. Everything will crumble. Jordan was doing well with managing thepany right now."


    "I want Big Raven to enjoy her adulthood and schooling. She will surely stop studying and take care of me instead. I don''t want to burden the kids. I don''t want that to happen. I won''t be happy like that." Senior Choi continued.


    Nanny Rong still insisted and said, "But they still have to know. They will be sad also if they will find about it veryte. They will also feel bad."


    Senior Choi smiled at the olddy before him. "My only wish and hope is that I at least witness both of them happy together and I would love to y with little grandchildren before that timees."


    "But I guess, I will be too greedy to ask for that. I can''t force Jordan to marry just anyone. I knew my son well. He had given his heart already. Unfortunately that one was still young and supposed to be enjoying her youth." Senior Choiughed.


    "Why don''t we tell Raven about it? I am sure she will understand. She will turn eighteen by now and that is a marriageable age already. Before during dynasties, women were betrothed early, as soon as they bleed as a sign of womanhood." Nanny Rong suggested in a serious tone.


    This time around, Senior Choiughed so hard, "Nanny Rong that was before. Now, woman and man are equals. And it was not my character to dictate things on the kids just to satisfy my will."


    "Besides, if the operation went well, the doctor said that I can live for five years more the longest. That''s not bad at all. Who knows, two to three years from now, I will be ushering my daughter or son to walk into the aisle or even had the adorable grandkids on myp ying." Senior Choi said with enthusiasm just thinking it could happen and he will experience that before he died.


    "Old Master, what if your operation doesn''t go well and will give you one year or less only to live?" Nanny Rong asked him consciously.


    Then there''s only a moment of silence¡­


    Jordan walked like a thief in the night and went back to the car. He can''t believe what he had heard. He immediately called Lou and instructed him to check this matter pertaining to his father in secret.


    Jordan went directly to the hospital. Lou escorted him to his father''s doctor.


    The doctor exined everything to him and all the pros and cons. His father had a Stage IV of colon cancer. He talked to the doctor to keep his visit a secret from his father and that they will go with his father''s instruction that supposedly no one should know about his condition. The doctor agreed.


    After hearing everything, Jordan was out of himself. He immediately sent a message to his father and chose not to talk to him through the phone right now. He was not confident to maintain a clear voice at this situation.


    [Dad let''s grab dinner outside at your favorite resto. I will treat you. Let''s meet there at 7:00 PM. Lou already made the reservation]


    Senior Choi''s eyebrow creased, he was not used with his son sending him a message like this first so he replied.


    [What happened? Did you cause a problem to thepany?]


    Jordan replied¡­


    [Of course not. Don''t you know how excellent your son in business?]


    Senior Choiughed and typed a reply¡­


    [You''re my son so my genes run through you. Excellency should be expected]


    Jordan was now crying while he typed the words¡­


    [Yeah and I am so proud and grateful that you are my father. You are the best!]


    ''What''s with this brat?'' Senior Choi thought then replied.


    [What''s with the drama? That''s not so you. Stop it already and I will be there at 7:00 PM]


    [Oh yeah right¡­ I don''t need to say this because I am sure you know already how proud I am at you son!]


    Jordan continued with his sobbing, this time he had cried harder, reading his father''s message. His heart was aching so hard right now. He knew that all living things were bound to die. But what is harder was that when you knew that your loved one will SOON fade and die but you cannot do anything about it.

 Chapter 30 I Need You

    Raven and Sheena booked the same flight and arrived at the airport by 10:00 AM. Raven wanted to surprise her father so she intentionally did not mention that her flight was today. She left Sheena who was waiting for her brother and just grabbed a taxi to go home directly.


    ''Hmmm where is everyone?'' She thought when she arrived at the mansion with only the servants inside. She was quite sure Jordan was at work. But howe her father and Nanny Rong were also out?


    She called his father''s office and found out that he did not drop by today. She presumed that they just strolled around since one of the servant said that he went out together with Nanny Rong and driver Jun.


    She decided to just wait at home and not to call her father on his mobile phone.


    ''Home sweet home,'' she thought as soon as she entered her room. She jumped on her bed and hugged her hotdog pillow. She was dead tired so she slept right away. When she woke up it was passed 1:00 PM already and she was hungry so she went to the kitchen.


    She felt so cold because of the weather. So she asked the servant to prepare the sauna room for her.


    She fixed her hair in a bun and removed all her clothing just to wear her above knee robe before going to the sauna room.


    ''It felt so good to sweat during winter season.'' Raven thought. After thinking that she already had enough, Raven went out to go straight to her room and take a quick shower.


    She was drying her hair when she heard a bang at her door so she immediately went out on the shower room to check. The light was still off and the only opened one was hermp shade so her room was kind of dim.


    She saw a man sitting at the side of her bed. ''Is that Jordan?'' Raven asked herself then walked towards him.


    "Hey are you alright? What are you doing here?" Raven asked while she paused in front of Jordan.


    Jordan looked up at her with his distressed eyes.


    Raven''s eyebrows creased and she spoke in a worried tone, "What is wrong? What happened?"


    There was no response from him. Raven was bothered. Something was definitely wrong with Jordan right now.


    She was about to turn around to open the light when Jordan suddenly pulled her waist and embraced it. He buried his face on her.


    Although confused, Raven touched his head and run her fingers on it. Then she heard little cries. Raven''s heart sunk.


    She gently stroked his hair and said in a soft voice, "Everything will be fine."


    She doesn''t know anything at all and what had happened to Jordan. However, she was feeling his pain.


    She wanted to know what happened. Is it about thepany? She doubt it, knowing Jordan, nothing can make him cry except if it''s about father.


    Raven started to get uneasy. She gently pushed Jordan away and sat beside him. She turned sideward to face him. His head was slightly bowed down and she smelled an alcohol from him.


    Raven creased her eyebrow. Why would he drink at this hour?


    "Jordan what is wrong? Are you crying?" she asked him. Raven sighed deeply. Jordan was still quiet. She cupped his face with both hand slightly tilt his head up so she can face him.


    The light was dim and she can''t tell if he really cried or not. However, his eyes looked sad as he stared at her. Then he pulled her again to hug her tightly.


    Raven was so clueless right now and doesn''t know what to do because whenever she will ask Jordan he doesn''t answer. He will just tighten his embrace on her. She patted his back instinctively.


    "I need you," she heard Jordan murmured those words to her ear.


    Before Raven could react, Jordan pressed her down to the bed and kissed her. It was a deep longing kiss. She can taste the whisky from his mouth.


    She remained submissive on Jordan''s movements. She returned his kisses unconsciously. His tongue entangled to hers.


    She did not notice that Jordan already removed his shirt then he untied her robe sliding his hand inside to feel her warmth. She almost forgot that she was totally naked underneath her robe.


    Raven can no longer think straight when Jordan began to follow his hand and trailed her body with kisses.


    Then she saw him unbuckling his pants. Raven blinked for several times. ''What is going on? Isn''t this a little too fast? I am not ready for this!''


    Panic can be seen at her face. Jordan clearly saw her reaction and he stopped.


    Then he sighed deeply andid his body next to her. He hugged her body and buried his face on her neck.


    "I''m just tired and exhausted. Please let me stay like this for a while." Jordan said in a low tone.


    Raven felt Jordan''s need for apanion. She wanted to know what''s bothering him but she stayed still and let him rest. She put her hand on his arm that was hugging her waist and gently tapped it to console him.


    "Raven I hate that I¡­ I just hate you so much¡­" that was Jordan''sst words before he kissed her neck and dozed off.


    ''What is that supposed to mean?'' Raven really wanted to ask him what he meant by that because the sentence seemed twisted. She was left hanging and wondering.


    She can feel Jordan''s breathing on her neck. Raven inhaled and blew the air out from her mouth.


    Jordan probably really hates her because of her uncertainty¡­

 Chapter 31 Go Get A Boyfriend Now

    Raven left Jordan in her room still sleeping.


    It was past 7:00 PM already when she heard her father''sughter. He was dropping funny jokes to Nanny Rong in the living room.


    "How can Santa deliver presents during a thunderstorm?" Senior Choi asked.


    Nanny Rong grinned and answered, "That was too easy Old Master, Santa''s sleigh is flown by RAINdeer!"


    "How about this one, I''m sure you don''t know this one." Senior Choi asked now grinning.


    "Hmm, what do you get when youbine a Christmas tree with an iPad?" Senior Choi was suppressing hisughter. He was just so sure that Nanny Rong won''t be able to get this one.


    Nanny Rongined, "Old Master let''s stop already my stomach is aching now and let us eat first!"


    Senior Choiughed, "No dinner if you won''t give me the right answer."


    Raven smiled seeing her father this enthusiastic.


    Then she creased her forehead. ''Father seemed to be doing well and there''s nothing to worry about him.'' She thought while she contently looked at her father'' who had the same happy-go-lucky aura of his.


    So she wondered what was bothering Jordan that made him looked so depress like that.


    When she saw Nanny Rong was having a hard time to answer her father, Raven interrupted at their bantering and said, "That one was so easy, you will get a pineAPPLE!"


    "My Big Raven is here. Come here. Is that really you? Howe you''ve grown so much in that span of months? Prettier than before," Senior Choi said continuously. Then he opened his arms wide to catch her embrace.


    "Stop it already father. You are overdoing it!" She said as she ran towards him and hugged him.


    "I missed you!" Raven said then she kissed her father on his cheek.


    I missed you more my big Raven." Senior Choi replied and hugged Raven tight.


    "Oh thank goodness you are back. I will have the dinner ready," Nanny Rong interrupted.


    Senior Choi just nodded at Nanny Rong in agreement then held Raven''s hand. He led her to sit on the couch. They''ve talked mostly about her school experiences. She also mentioned her part time job in one of the biggest film studio.


    "Is Jordan doing okay with thepany?" Raven suddenly asked changing the topic.


    Senior Choi frowned and answered, "Yeah he was actually doing quite well. You know how that brat loves to kill himself at work. Why? Is there something wrong?"


    Raven just shrugged her shoulders and smiled before she replied, "Oh nothing. I just ask, I''m just getting curious on how is he right now. You know we don''t talk that much."


    Nanny Rong already called them for dinner.


    "Ask Jordan where he is now?" Senior Choi instructed to Nanny Rong.


    Then he added looking at Raven, "That brat alwayses home early these days and never miss a dinner with us. Howe he waste now?"


    Raven suddenly blushed and she stopped Nanny Rong, "He arrived already and sleeping now. He was probably tired at work"


    She did not mention that Jordan was sleeping in her room.


    After dinner, she yed chess with her father at the library room. It''s been a while since they yed like this.


    "Checkmate!" Raven dered.


    Senior Choi frowned and pouted his lips, "Howe I can no longer defeat you on this."


    "Well, I''m probably smarter since I am maturing already," Raven jested.


    "Yeah, you can be married by now don''t you think?" Senior Choi''s eyes sparkled while he stared at Raven.


    Sheughed seeing how his father look right now, "Haha, Why? Do you want me to get married already? Don''t you think I need a boyfriend first?"


    "Yes, go get a boyfriend now. That''s okay," Senior Choi answered with a smile.


    Then, Raven''s face became serious, "But I don''t want to yet. You know how I loved to finish studies first and achieved something on my own soter on you can be proud of me. I hate beingpared to a leech just sucking out bloods from its prey."


    Raven sighed and added, "I don''t want to be seen as someone who was good for nothing. Or someone who always hide under the protection of Choi family."


    Then Raven winked at Senior Choi, "Don''t worry, I will make sure to aplish all in a shorter time then you will definitely see me with a boyfriend."


    She followed the words with augh. Senior Choi smiled at her and sighed deeply. "It seems that my dream was too far to reach.'' He thought to himself.


    Jordan from the outside heard their conversation.


    ''I must n and act faster.'' He thought to himself before he walked back to Raven''s room.

 Chapter 32 He Was Becoming Shameless

    Jordan heard the opening sound of the door and quickly closed his eyes.


    Yes, he had a drink but he was not drunk. He was sobered from the beginning. He was home early because he knew that Raven will be home by that time.


    He just used the alcohol as an excuse to take an advantage of her which he cannot do in the end. He failed. He was bing shameless because of desperation.


    After he''de to know of the truth regarding his father''s health, he hade up with several ns to aplish his father''s wishes and being barefaced like this was one of those.


    Jordan only had two options remaining right now.


    FIRST OPTION:


    Provide A Good Act. He will sacrifice himself to look bad in her eyes. He will be someone who is greedy about money and power.


    He was so desperate right now that he doesn''t care anymore as long as he will see to it that his dad''s wishes will be executed before that timees. He was willing to use any means to achieve it.


    At the second thought, it was like hitting two birds with one stone because he will achieve his wishes at the same time. Yet, he will make sure that the second option will not affect or be a hindrance to Raven''s dreams and original ns.


    SECOND OPTION:


    Tell Raven the truth --


    However, like what his father said. Raven will start a fuss and without doubt she will transfer school, back to their country, or worst stopped her studies just to make sure she was always beside their father until that dayes.


    Raven, as stubborn as she is, will definitely not be stopped either.


    He was absolutely sure his father doesn''t want that to happen. Raven obviously loved her current school. She was enjoying her studies and experiences at her new environment right now.


    Jordan let out a deep sigh of frustration. He had decided to proceed with his first option upon recalling the conversation between the father and daughter while they were ying chess.


    Raven had made it clear to him before and now to his father that she had her dreams and she had ns already for her own life.


    --


    Raven went back to her room and found out that Jordan was still inside and asleep on her bed. She sighed and gently tapped his shoulder.


    "Jordan¡­ Jordan¡­" she said in a soft voice. She was trying to wake him up. But unfortunately, he doesn''t move nor respond at all.


    Raven walked at the other side of the bed. She cannot sleep in the guest room because the servants might find out.


    In her room and Jordan''s, no one will have the guts to enter without knocking first, even her father. They knew that both of them like privacy and hate trespasser on their room without their permission.


    If someone happened to see Jordan walked out of her room, there are so many alibis to justify it rather than her sleeping in the guest room.


    ''Wait, Jordan trespassed in her room! Hmmp!'' Raven thought subconsciously. She will be considerate for now since Jordan was drunk and seemed to be in a big problem.


    Raven put her pillow hotdog in between the bed, making it as a partition between her and Jordan.


    She was sleepy after ying with her father and talking too much with her ns in the future. She positioned sideways facing Jordan whose eyes were still closed.


    She stared at his handsome face for a minute. ''Just what exactly is bothering him?'' She thought while looking on his face features from prominent eyebrows, long eyshes, attractive and well shaped nose with a soft curvy tip, straight and wless andstly the lips.


    That kissable lips, then Jordan kissing her a while ago shed back through her mind.


    Raven hit her head. ''What''s with me? Gosh I''m bing a pervert!'' She thought to herself while blushing.


    She let out a yawn then she closed her eyes and fell asleep.


    On the other hand, Jordan opened his eyes after thirty minutes, making sure Raven was already in deep sleep.


    He tossed the hotdog pillow away and stared at the sleeping Raven before his eyes.


    He was feeling uneasy. He was wondering how Raven would react once he begin with his n. He was willing to wait, but the circumstances were forbidding him to.


    The n must be executed perfectly for Raven to buy it.


    He moved closer to Raven to kiss her forehead and locked her to his embrace before he closed his eyes to sleep.

 Chapter 33 Punish Raven

    The next morning that Raven woke up, Jordan was no longer at her side.


    She went straight to the dining area and saw Nanny Rong was helping the servants to prepare the table while his father was reading a newspaper.


    "Good morning father." She greeted him then kissed his cheek before sitting. She creased her eyebrow seeing Nanny Rong was adding another te at Jordan''s usual seat.


    "Jordan is still here?" She asked in an unbelievable tone.


    Senior Choiughed andmented, "That brat got sick because of skipping meals ording to Lou and was nervous to be back in the hospital for injections so this happened. Now he always eats breakfast and dinner with us. He even pesters me during lunch. He insisted that I''m his appetizer."


    Raven was in disbelief. Before, she rarely sees Jordan in the morning because he usually had breakfast inside his office. And he alwayses homete in the evening.


    It was good to hear that he was not that busy with work unlike before. So she was more curious to know what was bothering himst night.


    "Morning dad," it was Jordan who spoke with a wide smile at father while he greeted her with a half smile when he sat on the chair.


    "You are back." He simply said before getting food and began to eat.


    ''Huh? Of course I am back. You were in my room dead drunkst night. Don''t you remember? Hello?'' Raven wanted to voice out loud to Jordan who was acting like nothing was happened.


    Jordan was giggling inside seeing Raven''s flustered face. ''Now you know how it feels not to remember anything at all.'' He thought at the back of his mind.


    He wanted to punish Raven for giving him a hard time, thus, he nned to act clueless up to the veryst moment.


    "Oh yeah right, you have a fitting for your dress today," Senior Choi reminded his big Raven. It''s for her eighteenth birthday which will be in five days time from now.


    Raven just nodded feeling suddenly irritated. Once in a while she will stole nces at Jordan who remained focus at eating his breakfast.


    "Hey, are you okay? Raven said you arrived early yesterday and rest immediately. Is everything all right at work?" Senior Choi asked.


    Raven was paying great attention and looked at Jordan. She was very curious on what will Jordan say.


    "Yeah everything was going well. I had a drink yesterday after a meeting and was drunk so I don''t remember much at all. All I knew was just I slept on the bed."


    ''Yeah you surely did sleep on someone else bed, MY BED!'' Raven wanted to interrupt him.


    "Hmmm, they are linking you with Lin Wang. What do you think of her? Maybe she''s a good candidate for a wife. Don''t you think? You are not getting any younger. It''s about time you settled down and give me grandchildren." Senior Choi said looking intently at his son.


    Jordan nced at Raven but also withdrew quickly. "She''s not that bad. I will think about it." He simply said.


    Senior Choi''s eyes sparkled. Jordan and Raven both noticed that.


    ''What does he meant by that?'' Think about it? I thought he likes me?'' Raven''s face was so crumpled that Senior Choi can''t help butugh.


    "Hey, big Raven, what''s up with your sour face? Don''t you want Jordan to get married already so you can be an auntie sooner?" Senior Choi can''t help but tease his big Raven.


    That daughter of hers had very low EQ and won''t probably get that Jordan was just checking her reaction on the topic of him being involve to another woman around.


    He can sense that Raven also likes his son but he can also tell that Raven''s feeling was not as deep yet as of his son or probably she wasn''t aware of her own feelings yet due to her low EQ? He was also not sure, only Raven can tell in due time.


    But, one thing is for sure, love life was not at Raven''s vocabry at the moment.


    However, it they are not meant to be, Senior Choi would like to see his son be settled already to give him grandchildren.


    But of course, he will be most pleased if the two ended up together.

 Chapter 34 Difference Between Love And Like

    Senior Choi changed the topic when Raven did not say a word on his teasing and just shrugged her shoulders.


    "Ahmm, I will stay at Japan for one year to monitor and supervise the opening of our subsidiary there. Well, it was just an estimate for now and all will depend on how thepany will improve." Senior Choi blurted out.


    Jordan shook his head. He doesn''t know if he willugh with his father''s acting today.


    He already knew his father''s n. The Japan he was referring to was in truth none other than the hospital. His n was to stay at the VIP room of the biggest and prominent hospital in their country as an anonymous patient. Hising back home of course depends on how his body will improve and recover.


    "When are you going to leave? This is the first time you are going to stay long just to supervise? Can''t you just assign someone there?" Raven asked her father. One year sounds too long to her.


    "Well, since you no longer stay here, I decided to mixed business with pleasure. It''s not yet final. I mighte back after three months or so. Don''t worry big Raven I won''t miss your school breaks. I will absolutely present whenever you return home. Oh and I n to bring Nanny Rong with me so you don''t need to worry on whose going to take care of me. I will leave once you returned to school." Senior Choi winked then smiled lovingly at his daughter.


    Jordan can''t help butmented, "How about me? You know I can''t eat alone these days."


    Senior Choi arched an eyebrow, "You can eat with Lou anytime. That is why you should have a girlfriend by this time now."


    Then he shifted his gaze to his daughter, "Don''t you think big Raven?"


    "Urgh¡­ Yeah that''s what I think too. He''s not getting any younger anyways." Raven replied nonchntly.


    She did not notice how gloomy Jordan''s face had be.


    Senior Choi shook his head when his son immediately bid goodbye at breakfast after Raven''s words.


    He sighed deeply. His children, at their current situation, were the perfect example of the "difference between love and like". Love for Jordan''s case and like for Raven''s case.


    He can attest that no onees in a perfect package for a person. Raven can be considered aplete package but the low EQ was the turn down. But on the second thought, he can say that his son was the perfect andplete package then he rethinks again. Since Jordan was slow in action, that''s the turn down for him.


    Heughed at his own thoughts.


    Then he looked at Raven who was still eating and said seriously, "Big Raven, you know you can tell your father anything right? Between you and Jordan ¨C I always side with you."


    He saw Raven creased her eyebrows and looked at him with a confused and questioning face.


    Then he continued, "What do you think of Jordan? I mean as a man? As a partner? Something like that."


    Raven'' eyes widened. Why was her father asking that all of a sudden? Does he know something?


    Raven''s face flushed but she managed to answer, "Jordan was not bad. Everyone will want someone like him. But why are you asking? You know I''m not into that kind of stuff yet."


    "Hmm will you want someone like him also?" Senior Choi asked looking intently at Raven.


    "YES, I do. Of course who wouldn''t? But, not right now. What''s up with you father? I am notfortable with this kind of topic. My ears are hurting." Raven answered with a jest.


    "I''ll be up first to get ready for the fitting," Raven said and went up quickly. Her father was asking too many questions. It''s best to run now before he asks for more.


    Senior Choi just wanted to hear one word from Raven and was satisfied with what he had heard. Then an idea came to his mind. Maybe he should mess around a bit to help his son in the future. In that instant, Senior Choi made a call to his attorney.


    Raven will stay with them for fifteen days before she returns to school. His operation was schedule the next day. Nanny Rong will be the one to apany him along the way.


    He was also afraid. But he will be more frightened if he will see the troubled faces of his children so he has to be brave and fight this battle of his as long as he can.


    When everything is settled, that''s probably the only time he can let go.

 Chapter 35 I’m Willing To Take The Responsibility

    Jordan was not in the good mood.


    All his employees were in panic. Reports submitted were rejected and instructed for another revision.


    And now at the conference room¡­


    "What is this? What kind of presentation was that? Are we talking about business and profits here? Why gave me that bullshit?!" Jordan''s voice echoed at the conference room.


    "Sir, the busi..." the team leader was about to justify but he was already interrupted.


    "I want to see certainty not the bullshit possibility! I will cut down bonuses if you don''t fix this by tomorrow! Make sure to present something concrete and not just base on how you see things!" Jordan spoke in his terror tone before leaving the conference room.


    The people inside was looking at Lou with confusing eyes. Lou shook his head. Those eyes at him had the same questions. "What happened? Why the Boss had his period today and over reacting?"


    Yes his Boss was over reacting over a small project. However, why would they even do a dissatisfying presentation on such a crucial day? If the Boss was in a good mood, the sermon will remain as is since his the Irond CEO but he will not drop the bonuses thing of course.


    Lou presumed that his Irond attack was connected with Raven. The evil aura began this morning as soon as his Boss got inside the car.


    Urghh, he had a lot on his te right now and shrugged his shoulders in answer for those eyes before following the Boss.


    "How is everything?" Jordan asked him.


    "All documents will be ready in two days time. Attorney Gray called. He wanted to meet with you at dinner." Lou said.


    "Alright, tell him I will meet him around 8:00 PM. I will eat dinner with father first." Jordan answered before getting inside the car.


    They were headed in the house of the most renowned designer in the country to pick-up his father and Raven. He never misses to eat meals with his father from the day that he came to know the truth.


    Jordan entered the house and found his father reading a magazine on the sofa.


    "You are early. Raven was still in the fitting room. All the dresses looked perfectly at her and I am having a hard time to choose." His father said in aining tone.


    "Since you are here, you should help me and you choose instead." Senior Choi added showing him the shots taken on his mobile phone for the previous dresses Raven fitted.


    After a minute, the designer went out and said excitedly, "Senior Choi, I am sure you will choose this one for the event. Your daughter looks like a superstar. She''s more stunning that the actresses I''ve seen and handled."


    Raven went out of the room walking slightly shy seeing Jordan was sitting with his father. Both men slightly opened their mouth because they were so mesmerized.


    "Wow, Steph you are right. My big Raven will definitely wipe out all famous celebrities once she joins the showbiz." Senior Choimented full of admiration.


    "What do you say son?" He shifted his gaze to his son and taped his shoulder gently to wake him up from obvious drooling.


    "Not bad. Get that one and let''s eat. I am starving already. All dress looks the same anyway. It just depends on who will wear it." He said inly before getting up the chair.


    ''What is wrong with him?'' Raven thought before looking at her father, "I also like this one, enough with the fitting and it seems like Jordan will die on starvation right now." Raven said in a loud voice making sure that Jordan will hear it while he walks towards the door.


    No one saw Jordan''s smiling face from the back. He will surely enjoy teasing a little bit to continue with his punishment but of course he intends to add more spies.


    ''What with them right now? Don''t tell me they n to act like a dog and cat all out war with me?'' Senior Choi sighed.


    They went to a fine dine in restaurant and ordered steaks. Jordan quickly cut his and exchanged te with his father. Senior Choi was touched.


    Meanwhile, Raven exchanged her te with Jordan, "Here have mine since you''re dead hungry."


    "Thanks," Jordan said and began to eat. At the back of his mind he was happy.


    Senior Choi on the other hand was just observing the two.


    After lunch, Raven wanted to grab some ice cream which was near the restaurant so she suggested that they just they walk. They need to cross over the street to reach the ice cream parlour.


    Jordan went in between Senior Choi and Raven. He held Senior Choi''s arm with his left hand.


    He was surprised to see him acting like that. His son was bing thoughtful these past few days. Then the light became green for passerby.


    "Let''s go." Jordan said and quickly grabbed Raven''s hand and locked it with his palm as they walked at the crossroad.


    ''Since when did he be a third wheeler?'' Senior Choi shook his head seeing his son''s style.


    They are waiting for their orders when Senior Choi''s mobile phone rang and it seemed to be an important call since he quickly instructed the driver to pick him up at the parlour.


    "What is it?" Raven asked of curiosity.


    "I will leave Raven with you." Senior Choi said looking at Jordan and ignoring Raven''s question.


    Then he looked back at Raven and said,"I will talk to youter have to go now."


    "Why is he in a hurry," Raven murmured while looking at Senior Choi''s back.


    She was taken aback when Jordan scooped an ice cream to feed her.


    "Here try this vour," he said while feeding her the spoon with his ice cream. Raven pursed her lips.


    ''What is wrong with this guy, acting hot and cold?'' she thought to herself with a creased forehead.


    "My hand is hurting just taste it," Jordan added seeing Raven was not opening her mouth.


    Raven sighed then took the ice cream spoon feeding of Jordan.


    She can''t help but asked the thing she wanted to from the start, "Don''t you remember what happenedst night at home while you are drunk."


    Jordan creased his forehead and asked nkly, "Nope, why did I do something awful?"


    Raven answered looking at him intently, "You slept at my bedroom. You are too drunk." She was scrutinizing Jordan.


    "I did? I don''t remember at all. I woke up on my bed this morning though." Jordan said inly.


    Then Jordan stared at her and asked,"Have I done something? I''m willing to take the responsibility."


    Raven''s face became deep red...

 Chapter 36 Notice For Disinheritance

    Jordan''s jaw dropped reading the document sent by his father'' attorney to his office.


    Is this for real? He doesn''t know what to react. He was so dumbfounded right now.


    He called for Lou and gave him the documents.


    Lou was also shocked. "Have you asked Senior Choi about this? I thought he doesn''t interfere to your private life."


    The document was a notice for disinheritance.


    There were conditions cited for the disinheritance to be voided. And the one thing that had caught his attention was the word marriage.


    Jordan cancelled his scheduled appointments to meet his father who was currently at home with Raven.


    "What''s the meaning of this?" Jordan asked his father directly.


    "Do I have to exin? It''s all written in there." Senior Choi replied simply.


    Jordan''s forehead creased, he waspletely confused. Howe his father was calmed? ''Did he suddenly change his mind on not to meddle to his personal life.''


    "Son, I am not getting any younger, same with you. You should be married at that age or might as well give me grandchildren to y with already." Senior Choi said bluntly.


    Raven, who suddenly appeared with a tray of snacks, looked confuse hearing Senior Choi''s words.


    However, Senior Choi just ignored her and looked at Jordan with a serious face and said, "I haven''t asked you for anything before. You know how I''ve been supportive with you to all the things that you chose and wanted to do along the way. And up to now, I still am."


    Senior Choi sighed deeply and added, "That''s why you still have the freedom to choose who you wanted to marry. It''s just that I am setting a time frame for that to happen and I am giving you an ultimatum so you wouldn''t ck-off with that requests of mine. I''m sure you already check the authenticity of the document. So I expect you make a move now as fast as you can otherwise you will be stripped-off with everything. Just imagine losing everything in a snap with that entire hard works you''ve put up to."


    "Well, my request was just so simple and easy don''t you think?" Senior Choi asked looking serious as he stared to his son.


    Then he shifted his gaze to Raven and inly said, "Well it would be better if you can marry someone like our big Raven. That will definitely make this old man happy. I will be more at peace if that happens."


    Sincerity in Senior Choi''s eyes was very clear as he said those words.


    Jordan sighed and replied, "You know well how I loved thepany and how I work hard for it to excel and be one of the best worldwide. You will have a daughter inw and I will not make you wait for that one year timeline of yours so consider that disinheritance of yours voided already."


    After he said those words, Jordan walked back. No one saw how wide his smile was from the back except for Lou who was eating a snack he got from Raven.


    His father just gave him a solution with his options thing that was haunting him for days now. In that instant, he had a third option without looking bad at Raven''s sight. He could almost kiss his father as Senior Choi was saying his plea in front of Raven.


    Then he became serious, thinking why his father was making his move suddenly? Is his father feeling discourage with the positive result of the operation?


    ''I am sure he was afraid that something might go wrong.'' Jordan shoulders suddenly dropped. He won''t let his father alone on his battle. He will make sure he will be by his side at all times no matter what happens.


    Meanwhile, Raven was still in disbelief hearing the conversation between father and son.


    It was without a doubt about marriage. ''What exactly was going on?'' she thought before she sat in front of her father and read the document Jordan left.


    "Are you even serious with this?" Raven blurted out to her father who just shrugged his shoulders.


    "What if Jordan just gets someone out there or be in a rtionship with someone he doesn''t like just to satisfy you? You will ruin his life if that happens. Why don''t you just let him be? He''s not that old to be pushed for marriage." Raven exined not batting an eye to her father.


    Senior Choi sighed deeply and said, "I have decided and that''s final. If you pity him then why don''t you help him out?" He rose up after saying those words leaving the confused Raven behind.


    She was wondering what''s going on with his father. It''s not so like him to meddle around with their private lives.


    Senior Choi returned to his room. He held a picture frame of him and Jordan which was disyed on his table. Father and son smiling happily, Jordan hugged and kissed him in the picture. It was when he won first ce in the tennispetition of their school.


    Then he shook his head thinking of the nonsense ns his son were making. Attorney Gray had reported to him Jordan''s ns and the documents he requested under his name.


    ''He should just ask me inly. I will dly help him if he was that desperate to lock Raven up to his cage. That brat, just how long does he n to use me as an excuse?'' Senior Choiughed when he thought how desperate his son was to get Raven.


    His brat son had nned to ckmail his big Raven because of thepany shares he had transferred to Raven''s name without thetter knowing.


    Raven''s shares had the security use for her own safety. It can''t be transferred to anyone except for her immediate family. Senior Choi had made sure that his other family members and rtives won''t be able to bully Raven. He was also sure that Raven was not greedy and will be willing to return those shares anytime thus, that use was added and pointed out without her knowing.


    "Tsk. tsk." he shook his head. Howe that son of his was not thinking straight?


    Jordan was doing the shotgun wedding recklessly. So shameless! Just to secure himself on Raven without even thinking if he will look bad at Raven.


    Jordan''s n was to catch Raven with a contract marriage in order to get herpany shares. Senior Choi was presuming that after the marriage, that son of his will make Raven fall for him deep in the process. What a clich¨¦ move.


    Well, his meddling was just the same. The only difference is he was helping Jordan not to look greedy for power and money trying to get Raven''spany shares.


    "I helped you already son. Now, all will depend on you." Senior Choi murmured as he inhaled and exhaled deeply. He just hopes that everything turned out fine with his prying around.

 Chapter 37 Father Was Becoming Bolder

    Yesterday, Raven didn''t sleep properly because of Jordan''s jest at the ice cream parlour. After saying the words - ''I''m willing to take responsibility'' - he suddenlyughed seeing how her face almost fainted. Thank goodness he was just teasing her because she really froze that time and can''t even say a word.


    She was really not ready for that kind of stuff. She felt that love life will be a hindrance for her dreams right now.


    And now, her father left her dumbfounded with hisst words ¨C ''why don''t you help him out?''


    He was definitely hooking her up to Jordan. ''Urghh! Why does the both of them are in a hurry? Can''t she at least enjoy being single first?'' Raven thought to herself, she was feeling irritated on being pressured.


    However, she does pity Jordan. Why would father suddenly push Jordan like that? Threatening Jordan seems cruel after all of Jordan''s hardships in thepany. She was well aware of all that. For goodness sake, you can consider Jordan loveless because he was married with thepany.


    Her phone suddenly beeps and it was Sheena.


    [I''m on my way to Yan now. Let''s meet up there.]


    Raven replied¡­


    [Okay. I will be on my way shortly.]


    Raven and Sheena will visit Yan who suddenly got married after two weeks they had left the country. Yan''s family did not hold a grand wedding because of the scandal. She got pregnant out of wedlock and the man behind Yan''s baby was considered by her parents as a nobody. It was someone who worked as an office clerk in aw firm.


    Yan''s family was into banking business and her dad was very strict with her and right now very disappointed on what had happened to her.


    "I still can''t believe you are going to be a mother now." Sheena blurted out seeing Yan''s t tummy had that visible bump now.


    "Yeah right, I did not expect to be pregnant this instant too." Yan sighed.


    "I have to stop school because of this. Well, if only I can turn back the time, I won''t be too reckless. You know how I wanted to be a model. I guess that dream will be in vain now." Regret can be seen on Yan''s eyes.


    "Well it happened already and you just have to enjoy being a mom and make the most out of it. Besides, just maintain your good health and figure. You can still continue on your dream after you had born the baby. Go back to schooling and all." Ravenmented. She wanted to cheer and encourage her friend.


    "I doubt that, being a good mom to your first born child, you have to be a full time one. It will take at least two years for you to get back on track." Sheena blurted out unconsciously.


    Raven pinched her side. She was giving encouragements to Yan and yet Sheena was contradicting her words.


    "Ouch! What? I''m just stating possibilities here. Well, she can ask for a Nanny to take care of her baby in the morning. But if I were her, I wanted to be a full time mom to monitor the well growing of my baby of course." Sheena bluntly expressed her own opinion.


    Yan can''t help butughed seeing her two friends bantering like they used to before. Sheena was still candid and she was used to it. She loved her because of that while Raven never ceased with her encouragement words as she used to be.


    She really missed those times being with her two close friends. Enjoying talks like these and going out together once in a while. How she wished she can continue her schooling also.


    "Anyways, it''s still up to you. That''s your life. You can do what you think will makes you happy. But you have to bnce everything out also. Just make sure we will be the godmothers of our little Yan in the future." Raven just added simply with a jest and smiled happily for her friend.


    "Yeah right and we will always just be here to support you along the way okay?" Sheena added while she winked at Yan.


    Yan excitedly asked them both on how they were doing at school and how was it during college. Raven looked at Sheena and started to talk, "Well it was nothing much. It was moreplicatedpared to high school. I am having a hard time sometimes."


    Raven answered simply looking at Sheena and luckily thetter understood her gestures and spoke, "Yeah, there''s nothing much into college anyways except that you have to study harder. Grrr¡­ There are higher expectationspared to before. I can''t even ck-off like before!"


    Raven sighed in relief seeing Sheena cooperated this time. She wouldn''t want to talk about how good the experiences they were and how fun the experiences they are having in front of Yan right now.


    Because it will cause more envy and regret on her friend''s emotions. And this will not bring any good for the baby. She had heard that pregnant woman often had the mood swings and mixed emotions most of the time because of the sudden hormonal change in the body.


    That was probably why Yan seemed to be upset on the things happening to her right now and she was sure that telling good experiences they are having will justplicate her feelings more.


    "Oh I almost forgot this." Raven said before getting the invitation card in her bag.


    "Bring your husband, don''t worry I will not invite you father." Ravenughed and winked.


    It was the invitation for her eighteenth birthday which his father had arranged forcedly. Her father was bing bolder and it seems like he was enjoying having his waystely.


    Raven sighed deeply, and thought of Jordan''s current situation. If Jordan asks for her help, she is willing to do so but she will make sure that there will be corresponding conditions.


    Then her phone suddenly rang, it was Jordan asking where she was.

 Chapter 38 Ticking Bomb

    [Wow, is this some kind of what you call the moment of silence?]


    Sheena sent a message to Lou sensing the tension between Jordan and Raven inside the car.


    Lou was sitting in the passenger seat at front while she was seated at the back right side beside Raven who insisted that Jordan''s driver dropped her off after they reached Jordan and Raven''s destination first which was along the way from Sheena''s house.


    Lou replied her message¡­


    [Don''t mind them. After we dropped them off let''s talk instead at the nearest coffee shop at your ce.]


    Sheena suddenly paled.


    "Oh, stop the car at the next subway. I almost forgot that I have to meet my father there." Sheena said out of nowhere.


    Yes she was daring at Lou, always sending him bold messages but in person she can''t just do it. She was feeling timid whenever she sees Lou.


    Sheena liked Jordan''s assistant a lot. He was handsome and with a stable job so she already set her eyes on him. But what she loved the most about Lou was he was a good fighter. She fell in love seeing how he protected her from the bullies. Knocking all the men down who pestered their house because of debts and almost killing those bastards who even dared to touch her. From that moment, she had bowed and promised to herself that she will get Lou by all means.


    Then she scratched her head andughed at herself because how can she get him if she was acting timid like this whenever she sees him. She was only good and brazen at sending chat messages at his mobile phone.


    ''Why can''t I ovee my shyness around him?'' she thought to herself helplessly.


    Meanwhile, Lou stared at the back of Sheena who hurriedly walked out from the car down to the stairs of the subway.


    ''What is wrong with her? Why do I feel like she was avoiding me whenever we got to see each other?'' Lou thought to himself and shook his head. How can he believe she liked him if she was acting the opposite? He decided to rify things with the girl becausetely something was bothering him inside.


    Before, it doesn''t matter at all whenever he received messages or not from Sheena, buttely¡­


    Lou sighed deeply and was thinking if he will send another message to Sheena. However his phone beeped and it was another message from Sheena.


    [Yeah, I know you''ve missed me a lot. Let''s keep it that way and just wait for me to contact you once I am ready to meet up with you and talk to you in person.]


    [Oh, right after your work go home straight and take care. Message me once you are home. **kiss and hug emoticons.]


    Lou''s heart stopped beating in just those simple messages. He had to do something or he felt like he was a ticking bomb that''s going to blow up anytime sooner.


    On the other hand, Raven can no longer take the silence and turned around to face Jordan. "What are you nning to do now?" she asked out of curiosity.


    "About what?" Jordan answered as if he was not getting Raven''s topic at all.


    Raven arched an eyebrow and continued, "What else, I am talking about the disinheritance thing and marriage? Father seemed to be serious about it.


    Jordan sighed deeply and turned his head to face Raven that time.


    "What else should I do but to get married as soon as possible don''t you think?" Jordan answered simply as he stared at Raven''s eyes.


    "But how are you going to marry when you even don''t have a girlfriend yet. Don''t tell me you will have an arrange marriage with fathers'' business associates?" Raven asked with a creased forehead.


    "Hmmm¡­ That''s a good idea, I will think about it. Lou, check thepanies with good records and set me up to meet their daughters as soon as possible." Jordan suddenly instructed his assistant.


    Lou replied, "Yes Boss."


    Raven''s face darkened. ''What the hell is wrong with him? Does he enjoy this? Is this some kind of a joke to him?'' She thought to herself.


    She was irritated because she thought Jordan will ask for her help. She evenpleted her conditions inside her head and was nning to type it then print it out in hard copy so everything will be clearer.


    Raven almost jumped off from her seat when she felt a warm hand touching her face.


    "Are you feeling alright? Why do you look pale suddenly?" Jordan asked staring at her while he touched her forehead then caressed her cheek. Raven bit her lip and her face flushed.


    "I guess, I saw wrong. Your color was back and your cheeks were blushing now." Jordan said in a teasing tone.


    Raven turned her face abruptly to the car window and said, "I am fine. I''m just hungry."


    Jordan was grinning to himself. It''s been a while since he saw Raven biting her lower lip. How he missed that. One of Raven''s mannerisms whenever she was feeling confused or having mixed emotions was she always bit her lower lip.


    Whenever he saw her doing that all he wanted to do was to kiss her. However, he was suppressing himself. He had noticed that whenever he was cold with her, she was the one who initiate the contact and he was enjoying it.

 Chapter 39 Reverse Psychology

    "Sir, you have a lunch date today with Miss Rui of Tenshin Airlines." Lou reminded Jordan who was busy reviewing documents on his table. It was one of the biggest airlines in their country.


    Lou had picked the possible candidates for his blind dates based on thepany''s good records and of course based on the looks and credibility of their heiress.


    "Alright, have you informed my father that I will not have lunch with him and Raven." Jordan asked while signing the documents.


    "Yes Sir, I emphasized that you will be on a blind date with Tenshin''s heiress." Lou answered. He well knew what goes beyond his Boss'' mind right now. He wanted to make sure that Raven was well aware of it including the ce and time.


    "Well good then," Jordan replied inly then he looked at his wrist watch.


    "Let''s leave after five minutes. It''s not good to keep a girl waiting." He added before dismissing Lou.


    At the mansion, Raven was getting bored doing nothing. Sheena was quite busy spending more time with her family while Chad was currently out of the country also for family trip.


    She doesn''t want to ask Yan to go out because the first trimester was said to be the critical stage on pregnancy. Besides, Yan wasining because she was feeling dizzy and throwing up almost every day.


    She had heard that Jordan will start with his blind date today and she searched on her phone the profile of Rui, heiress of Tenshin Airlines.


    ''She''s pretty.'' She thought to herself seeing the heiress'' picture. She had a good background and was now at the top 10 most sessful woman in their country.


    ''Wow! What a great date!'' Raven thought sarcastically. With regards to level of sess she was absolutely ranking at 0.


    ''Hmp! Just wait and see. I''ll be a grand m in three to four years time.'' She thought full of optimism thenughed at her own arrogance.


    Feeling down, she looked for her father at the library. Like her, Senior Choi also loved to read books.


    When Senior Choi saw her, he looked so startled that he quickly put down the book and rose up.


    "What''s that? What are you reading?" Raven asked suspiciously. Hoever, before she can get closer, Senior Choi held her shoulders to turn her around to walk outside the room like he was pushing a cart.


    "It was nothing. What do you want?" her father asked her.


    Raven was not convinced andughed wickedly as she turned her head to his father at the back, "Oh father don''t tell me you are reading a book not suitable for minors like me?"


    Her father''s face became red. So Raven teased him more. "Father, why bother to read when you can just watch some on your mobile phone, you know videos are better."


    "Stop with your nonsense already and I bet you are bored that''s why you are here to meddle with my resting." Senior Choi said and quickly led Raven out of the room.


    The book he was reading was about cancer and the testimonies of other survivors. He wanted to gain more ideas about his disease. He wanted to know what he can do personally to survive more years in the future.


    He already epted his faith. He was even thankful to reach that far because some people just die younger in different cases, like idents or disease also. However, there''s nothing bad to stall more time by taking care of himself.


    Raven will definitely get suspicious and a hint if she found out the book he was reading because it''s totally out of line with his genre.


    "Yes I am bored and I don''t want go out alone. Everyone is busy." Raven saidining.


    "How about we stalk Jordan and see how will his blind date go?" Senior Choi suggested.


    Raven thought about it already but she doesn''t want to do it alone and Sheena won''t be able to apany her.


    "Okay. But won''t he be angry if he found us?" Raven asked innocently.


    Senior Choiughed. "No he won''t. He would even probably enjoy that we are backing him up." Senior Choi let out a loudugh.


    Raven: "....?"


    "Let us pretend that we will be having lunch at the same hotel coincidentally. What do you think? Go now and get dressed and let''s bully that brat!" Senior Choi said and winked at big Raven.


    Senior Choi shook his head seeing big Raven''s outfit. It was too stunning just for a lunch he thought. She was wearing a short spaghetti strap rippled edge open back dress in nude pink but he did not react since his big Raven looked so beautiful.


    However, her front cleavage was very eye catching not to mention her bare wless legs which were still visible even though she topped it with a long sleeve cardigan sweater with the same length as her dress with a swingy, peplum-shaped hem.


    ''She was sure ready for battle.'' Senior Choi thought suppressing himself to voice out hisment out loud because Raven will absolutely get embarrassed.


    He grinned seeing how confident her big Raven walked inside the restaurant. From the entrance, she was already a head turner.


    ''I am sure that brat was expecting us since Lou even mentioned the time and ce of his lunch, emphasizing it''s a blind date.'' Senior Choi thought to himself still grinning. He was anticipating a great showter on. Howe his son has full of tricks on his sleeve?


    Though, he had noticed it too. It seems like a reverse psychology tactic was effective on Raven.

 Chapter 40 Boss Only Liked One Woman

    Jordan was eating caviar, when he suddenly paused.He saw Raven walked inside the restaurant with his father. He was expecting it. However, he doesn''t anticipate Raven would wear a revealing dress in this kind of weather.


    He frowned seeing that almost all men inside were stealing nces on his Raven.


    ''Isn''t she even cold?'' he thought irritably at the back of his mind. Then he locked a piercing gaze to his father who sat at the opposite chair of Raven facing him. His father just shrugged shoulders in reply.


    "Are you alright? Is there something wrong? Rui asked him when she noticed his face became gloomy.


    "Does it taste bad?" she added referring to the caviar he was eating. Jordan smiled and answered, "No, the food is fine. I just suddenly thought of thepany project that''s having a glitch."


    "I think I saw someone I knew." Jordan suddenly added.


    "Oh you should at least say hi to them. That''s okay with me. Go on," Rui said always smiling at him.


    Jordan shook his head and replied, "No need."


    However, Jordan was still feeling uneasy. He doesn''t like Raven''s low cut spaghetti dress. He stole nces at her back once in a while.


    He saw a man approached his father''s table and if he wasn''t mistaken it was President Zhao of the biggest entertainmentpany at their country.


    Raven stood up for a hand shake while the old man left his calling card, both to Raven and his father. ''What was that?'' he thought seeing his fatherughed while Raven smiled shyly and sweetly showing her perfect teeth to the old man.


    Rui seemed to notice his restlessness and asked, "Are you really fine?"


    Jordan just answered her with a half smile and nodded.


    Senior Choi seeing how his son was doing can''t help but chuckled.


    It definitely backfired at Jordan. My big Raven was quite good without her knowing. He presumed that Jordan was trying to make big Raven jealous but it looks like the opposite around seeing his son''s darkened face.


    He dialled Jordan''s number on his phone. It rang and thetter answered, "hey, be nice on your date. You don''t want to look bad right? You are the one who decided to do that."


    Then Jordan heard Raven''s voice. ["Why? Isn''t he enjoying?"]


    Senior Choiughed at Raven''s words and said, [big Raven you know how boring Jordan was. It''s probably Ms. Rui not enjoying. Let''s not bother him and continue to eat.]


    "Son, I will hang up now. Rx your face or you will shoo Ms. Rui away." Senior Choi said in a jest before he pressed the end button.


    "Is it about thepany? That happens to me most of the time. I tend to receive important calls every now and then." Rui said while drinking a wine.


    "I am really sorry Rui. I will have Lou to escort you back." Jordan said apologetically.


    Rui smiled at him and said, "That''s fine I understand. No need to apologize really."


    He led Rui outside the restaurant where Lou was waiting. "It was nice meeting you Miss Rui. I will have to go back inside." Jordan exined.


    Rui smiled at him sweetly. Lou wanted to shake his head but stopped himself. Obviously, Miss Rui liked his Boss. How unfortunate for her because the Boss only liked one woman.


    Jordan went back inside the restaurant and sat at the previous chair of Raven.


    "She just went to the wash room just now." His father exined while he took a sip of the wine.


    "Oh yeah, you see President Zhao right? He was asking in case Raven would like to join the entertainment. He wanted also Raven to meet his only son Eric Zhao. I think he liked Raven''s beauty for his son." Senior Choi added because he knew his son will ask about it sooner orter.


    "Okay, driver Jun is waiting already for you outside. You go first while I wait here for Raven." Jordan said looking straight to his father.


    Senior Choi raised an eyebrow and asked, "Are you suggesting I go home already? Hey brat howe you are cruel with your father?"


    Jordan sighed deeply.


    "Do you want me to get married and have children or what? If you do, then you have to leave now." Jordan said impatiently.


    Senior Choi hearing the word married and children immediately rose up and headed to driver Jun.


    ''Wait, did I hear it right? Children?'' He thought to himself recalling Jordan''s words that he heard.


    It wasn''t included in the condition to void the disinheritance although he was tempted before to add on the condition for a child. Still, he did not do it. Seeing the two married was quite enough for him and he won''t be greedy to demand a child since he knew Raven was not yet ready for something like that.


    His heart was pumping hard because of the excitement. Just hearing those words he felt like he was at cloud nine already.


    Senior Choi was whistling a song while he was going inside the car. He was hoping his son can move faster. He was cheering for Jordan internally. How he wishes Jordan could make two in a row since their genes can produce twins. Jordan''s grandmother had a fraternal twin brother.

 Chapter 41 I Will Help You Out With Marriage

    Raven creased her eyebrows when she saw Jordan was sitting at their table.


    "Where''s father? Where''s your date?" she asked while she look around.


    "Dad was picked up already by Driver Jun. Something came up so I will drive for you instead. Let''s go now." Jordan said while he rose up and walked closer to Raven. He had instructed Lou to buy a coat with buttons up to the neck as soon as he saw Raven entered the restaurant. It was handed to him by Lou as soon as Miss Rui was escorted inside the car.


    Raven felt a coat was ced on her shoulder and she saw Jordan walked to her front. He pulled the coat closer to him thus, pulling her also closer.


    "Urgh, what are you doing. I already had a sweater." Raven murmured in protest. Jordan ignored her and closed the upper four buttons of the coat covering her effort to look sexierpared to Miss Rui.


    Jordan leaned closer and whispered to her ear, "You had shown enough. You are sexier than her so no need to overdo it." Then he pinched her now blushing cheek and winked at Raven before he smiled.


    ''So handsome,'' Raven thought while she stared unconsciously at Jordan who was shing his killer smile.


    ''Oh snap!'' Raven woke herself up and shifted her gaze to look at the buttoned coat then she murmured, "what is this? I look weird."


    She heard Jordanughed. Raven intentionally wore a sweater without buttons because she wanted to emphasize her full bosoms. She maybe at 0 ranking when ites to sess but her body definitely rank no. 1pared to that of Miss Rui who she noticed had a t chest on the pictures and videos.


    She felt Jordan''s arms on her waist as he led her outside the restaurant.


    "Where''s Lou?" Raven asked as they went at the car park and Jordan got the car key from his pocket.


    "He escorted Miss Rui back." Jordan answered simply then he opened the front passenger door for Raven.


    She was wondering why Jordan, was still at her side when she was already seated. She didn''t expect him to lower his head on her. Raven thought he was going to kiss her so she closed her eyes instinctively.


    "I will just put your seatbelt on," she heard Jordan spoke as he pulled the belt and locked it at her side.


    ''What is going on? Is he teasing me on purpose?'' Raven thought inwardly. She was embarrassed with her action. For sure Jordan thought she was anticipating a kiss. She turned her head to the window so Jordan will not notice the blushing of her face.


    "What''s your n for today? Do you want me to drop you at home or if you want I can apany you wherever you want to go. I am not loaded today." Jordan asked.


    "Of course, you are not. You even have time to go on blind dates remember? I bet your whole week will be free." Raven blurted out sarcastically.


    She heard Jordanughed. "You bet. I do have another dinner date tomorrow and the rest days for this week. Actually, Lou had trimmed it down already to ten blind dates so nine more to go." Jordan dered as he starts the engine of the car.


    Raven no longer said a word but instead pouted her lips. ''Are you that desperate? Nine more blind dates? Are you for real?'' Raven wanted to voice out her thought but chose to remain silent.


    Jordan can see from the corner of his eyes that Raven was having a tantrum and he finds it so cute. He was enjoying teasing her. He wanted to find out how long she can manage to remainposed with her ''in denial facade''.


    "So, what do you want to do now?" Jordan asked her once more.


    "Just drop me home directly." Raven said in a low tone.


    She added in a scornful voice, "Go back to the office instead and work harder or if I were you just transfer more money to your ount. Embezzle thepany funds!"


    Jordan was suppressing himself tough out loud. How he wanted to embrace and hug the cuteness of her when she''s annoyed.


    Raven frowned seeing Jordan drove on a different way and not at home.


    "Where are we going? I said just drop me off at home." Raven repeated.


    Jordan answered, "It''s too early besides you are boiling right now so let''s go somewhere to cool you down."


    He brought Raven to an open air ice rink. The ce haste afternoon sessions with specially curated music ylists.


    Raven was like a child who was very easy to please. Jordan thought seeing the wide smile of Raven and how excited she was. He helped Raven geared up and led her to the ice rink.


    "Don''t let go of my hand. I am not good at this." Raven said as she held Jordan''s hands that supported her to move. She was not good at bnce. Sheena and Yan will always tease her before because she often fell down on her butt.


    They were facing each other. Jordan was moving backwards and pulling her with him. Raven was smiling the entire time. She was enjoying Jordan who pulled and led her the movements'' every now and then.


    Unexpectedly, Jordan suddenly pulled her closer to him without moving backwards causing Raven to hug him. Raven was about to pull herself from the hug but Jordan quickly embraced her.


    "This feels nice on this cold weather don''t you think?" Jordan whispered to her ear. She can feel his hot breath with it.


    Raven sighed deeply and said, "Jordan, if you did not find someone you can like during your blind dates, if you want, I will help you."


    Jordan froze and did not respond while Raven slightly pulled out herself so she can look at Jordan''s face.


    Raven although somewhat hesitant still added, "I will help you out with marriage. However, I do have conditions you have to meet."

 Chapter 42 Late Bloomer Type

    His father without doubt helped him a lot because in the process Raven was the one who offered her help to Jordan.


    He was reading all the conditions that Raven stated. She even handed to him a printed copy. He had mixed emotions right now, happy but not so happy at the same time.


    In short, Raven had agreed to marry him but they should keep it a secret for the time being. No, he definitely won''t do the registration of marriage thing only. His father wanted to see them both walked down the aisle so he crossed it out. He will do a revision on this sentence.


    ''No consummation of marriage until her graduation? Is she kidding me?'' Jordan thought. Abstinence until she reaches on her twenty? Jordan wanted toughed and frowned at the same time while reading it. Father wanted to see his grandchildren sooner. He definitely will also revise this condition of hers.


    Two things were very clear to him after he had finished reading her conditions. Raven had pointed out that she wanted to graduate first and be someone with a sessful career.


    ''I can help her with that, bing sessful in an instant.'' He thought to himself. Although he was certain Raven knew an easy way with the Choi''s back-up but probably she wanted to do it with her own capabilities. So he dismissed the thought.


    Raven was also afraid to lose him as a family. So, among the conditions was whatever happens with their rtionship in the future especially if it doesn''t work-out. No one should be bitter to each other and they must maintain good harmonious rtionship with each other and to their father as well like a family.


    ''Just how pessimistic she can be?'' Jordan thought considering her age as usual that still has a long way to go for maturity he guess.


    Although he himself cannot tell what the future holds, but one thing was very obvious with him, he certainly wanted Raven to be a part of it, whether bad or good things maye his way.


    He can no longer wait because everything depends on his father''s condition. So for now, he will revise some of her conditions and let her sign the document for his advantageter on.


    He will y a little more with Raven''s emotions right now for her to sign the agreement without proper thought. Jordan shook his head. He was bing cunning these past few days.


    However, bing cunning was somewhat an effective way to catch Raven in his trap. He redrafted the document and instructed Lou to have it finalized by their family attorney after lunch so he can present it to Raven already.


    After the usual family lunch, Jordan looked at Raven and said. "Apany me for a while."


    "Huh? Me? Where?" Raven asked in return.


    Senior Choi interrupted unconsciously, "Can I alsoe. It''s quite boring in here without Raven around."


    Jordan frowned and answered in question, "Do you really want me to be married or not?"


    "Of course I do ASAP. That''s why I gave you the ultimatum but what is the connection if I apany you also with Raven?" Senior Choi asked innocently although he was getting the idea.


    Raven''s face flushed and rose up quickly. "I''ll just get dressed and be out in five minutes." She said before going up to her room.


    Senior Choi chuckled after Raven left. Jordan looked at his father and said, "She offered help. I guess she pity me bing penniless in a year."


    "Nah, we both knew you won''t get broke without the inheritance. She just doesn''t want your hard work be meaningless. She had witnessed everything remember? I even recall how she sarcastically insisting that you are married with thepany that''s why you are loveless up to now." Senior Choi exined.


    "Just be patient with her you know how low the EQ of that one besides she''s probably thete bloomer type but one thing is clear, that she really likes you a lot." He smiled at Jordan while he said the words.


    Then Senior Choi''s face suddenly became serious. "Son, you know you can always ask me for help when ites to Raven right? So as much as possible don''t do things on your own especially if that n was nothing good at all or may bring a misunderstanding instead."


    Jordan understands what his father meant. He smiled lovingly to his father and said, "Thanks Dad. I will, next time."Truly, his father knows best. He wanted to cry and hug him that time but chose not to hearing Raven''s footsteps towards them.


    Raven looked at him and said, "Let''s go?" then she walked and kiss father on his cheek.


    He drove the car in a coffee shop and ordered for a desserts and hot coffees.


    "What''s that?" Raven asked seeing the envelope on the table.


    Jordan sighed and answered, "I did some revision on your conditions and have Atty. Gray to finalize it. Eat up first then you can review and sign it afterwards.


    Raven raised an eyebrow.


    ''Revision? Review and sign? Am I the one needing help in here? Hello?'' She wanted to voice out her thought but choose not to for the meantime. She will read the revision he made first before she fires out herments.

 Chapter 43 Conditions

    Raven''s eyes were opened wide while she reads the revisions Jordan had made.


    ''Marriage registration only without a ceremony and should be kept a secret to others as well but not limited to immediate family and closed trusted friends,'' was revised to, ''Marriage registration with a ceremony in secret with immediate family and closed trusted friends.''


    Then another one that caused her eyes to pop-out was the condition of ¨C


    ''No consummation of marriage until Raven graduated and had a stable career,'' was revised to, ''No consummation of marriage unless consented by both parties.''


    Other conditions remained as it is except for an additional one which was obviously added by Jordan.


    No touching (like hugging, holding hand etc.) of/from opposite sex whether ssmates, friends, acquaintances etc.


    Raven sighed, looked at Jordan and said, "Why do I feel like I am at the disadvantage when I was the one who is helping you in the process?"


    Jordan creased his eyebrow.


    "Well to be precise both of us will benefit in the process. The disinheritance will be voided while you will bring joy and happiness to our father in return if you agree on the marriage. Am I wrong to think that nothing was more important to you but fulfilling our father''s dream and wish? And I''m sure you knew that this was the only thing that can make the old man happy right now." He said inly without blinking an eye.


    Raven once again sighed. Of course she was aware of what will make her father happy. But still, she wanted to keep her condition as is when ites to the consummation thing.


    "But, can we just retain the original condition for consummation of marriage?" Raven asked in a low tone.


    "Why? Aren''t you confident enough about your self-control?" Jordan asked in a teasing tone.


    Raven suddenly blushed and answered in high tone, "Of course I am. It''s just that; anyway, let me think about it first."


    She put back the document in the envelope. She will definitely not sign it yet`.


    Jordan sighed deeply then looked closely at Raven and said, "Since you''re not signing that means you don''t agree yet right? So, can I continue with my blind dates for now? Just to make sure I don''t wait in vain?"


    Raven frowned. ''What the heck? Is he ckmailing me now? He was the one needing help so I should be the one making demands, right?'' Raven thought helplessly.


    Boosting her pride, Raven answered, "Yeah sure go on with your blind dates. Who knows you might find someone to your liking so we won''t bother with this conditions thing anymore."


    Jordan was scrutinizing Raven''s expression then smiled sweetly.


    "Are you sure? If you will stop me with the blind dates then I will, just say it." Jordan continued as he narrowed his eyes on Raven.


    ''What is this? Is he teasing me?'' Raven''s heart was pumping fast because of Jordan''s gaze.


    "Okay just stop." Raven replied in honesty. She really doesn''t want Jordan to do more blind dates. It makes her feel irritated.


    Jordan smiled at her lovingly while Raven just let out a very deep sighed.


    ---


    Lou was parked near Sheena''s house. It was his free time since the Boss had dismissed him early. He was hesitating if he will call Sheena or not.


    In the end, he decided to call Sheena.


    "Where are you? I n to pick you up from your house. Let''s talk for a while." Lou said in a serious tone.


    There''s a moment of silence on the other line so Lou spoke once more, "Hello are you still there?


    He heard Sheena''s long sigh.


    Then Sheena said, "I am not at home right now. I told you, I''ll be the one to call you if I wanted to meet in person. I will hang up now. Bye"


    Lou frowned when he heard the end beeping tones on his phone.


    "What is wrong with her? I''m not going to bite her. Why is she avoiding me?" He said angrily.


    He was about to go when he suddenly stopped. He saw Sheena''s gate opened. Sheena walked out from the gate.


    Lou immediately got out and confronted her.


    "You said you''re not home? What are you a doppelganger?" Lou said sarcastically and pulled Sheena''s arm and walked towards the car.


    Inside the car, Sheena was not saying anything. Lou held her shoulders to face him.


    "Now tell me what''s going on? Why are you avoiding me?" Lou asked with a creased forehead. He felt like he was going crazy already.


    "It''s just that I am shy." Sheena murmured and slightly bowed her head.


    "Did I just hear it right? Shy? You?" Lou suddenlyughed. Howe she was bold in sending messages but shy in person? He had an investigation of her background as instructed by his Boss before he made the offer to be Jordan''s eyes and ears pertaining to Raven. She was the most talkative and candid in the ss in person. She speaks what she feels or thinks whether hurtful or not. And now she was saying she was shy?


    Sheena got irritated when Louughed so she said, "I want to get out, just let me out of the car."


    "No I won''t. I said we have to talk." Lou said in a serious tone however Sheena moved forward to look for the auto lock button at Lou''s side.


    She practically almost jumped over to Lou''sp. When she did notice the awkward position she slightly moved backwards. However, Lou pulled her closer to him and suddenly kissed her. The kiss was so deep like he had longed for it for a long time.


    Sheena responded in the same intensity. She felt the seat moved and it was adjusted by Lou. He lifted her up to sitfortably on hisp. Lou released her to quickly look at her face before he kissed her once more.


    "You have to take responsibility on what you did." Sheena spoke while gasping for air.


    "Uhmm... Yesss.. I.. w..ill." Lou said stammering while he was kissing her continuously.


    This scenario had been hunting him for months now. Kissing, hugging and touching her like this after a month of Sheena''s sweet messages started.


    Actions were definitely better than words. He thought while he enjoyed the sweetness of Sheena''s lips and thefort of her soft body.

 Chapter 44 So Scheming

    Raven was busy thinking on how she will convince Jordan to just keep her original conditions as it is. She was still hesitant. She doesn''t want to be like Yan. She was not ready to be locked up inside the house yet.


    She was at the garden when Sheena arrived.


    "Hey, you''re not yourself? You''re in a deep thought that you did not even hear me calling you from behind?" Sheenamented as she sat opposite Raven.


    "Something is different with you today. You look somewhat refreshing? What''s with that smile?" Raven asked. Sheena looked extremely pretty today.


    "Hey, I''m always like this." Sheena answered with augh.


    Then Sheena added, "Well, because I already had a boyfriend. So I''m blooming." Raven creased her eyebrows. Since when did Sheena have a boyfriend? She did not see her getting close to any men at all.


    "Hey when did that happen? Are you even dating?" she asked with curiosity.


    "Well it happened fast but I started the wooing a few months ago before the ss started." Sheena answered and began to tell Raven the whole story.


    "Are you serious, as in with Lou? Jordan''s trusted assistant? That''s so naughty of you! Why are you telling me this only now?" Raven said as she pouted her lips. She can''t believe that something as big like this had happened without her knowing. Sheena was not that secretive to her at all. She knew everything that goes on her friend''s life.


    "Of course I''m quite shy to tell you something as aggressive as this. Haha, besides I knew how conservative you are with this kind of stuff. You will surely just discourage me on making initiative moves on a guy." Sheena exined then winked at her.


    Well, Sheena was right to begin with. Sheena surely was a very confident and expressive woman. The girls talking were interrupted by Senior Cho.


    "So, tomorrow is your big day. You''ll be considered as an adult." He said jokingly. Raven just rolled her eyes. She was not even excited at that party. But since her father had put a lot of effort on this, she might enjoy everything as well.


    "Jordan will be in a business lunch meeting. Since Sheena is here, why don''t I treat you girls out for a lunch? What do you say? I have a restaurant in mind where I''m curious to taste their recipes." Senior Choi asked with a smile at the two girls.


    "Oh I''m in for that Sir." Sheena blurted out as she excitedly rose up and pulled Raven''s hand to get up.


    They arrived at the restaurant and the ambience was really good. Sheena and Raven ordered the best dishes in the menu. Senior Choiughed when Raven ordered a lot with seafood stuff. How he missed his daughter and how a glutton she is.


    He looked around the area. It seems like Jordan was not yet around. ording to Lou the lunch meeting will be here.


    He was about to call Lou when finally he saw Jordan walking with Miss Lin Wang.


    Sheena noticed it too andmented, "Raven, Jordan is here with the Wang snake, Oops." Then sheughed. Raven looked and just shrugged her shoulders.


    "It''s a lunch business meeting so let them be. Let''s just eat and enjoy the food." Raven said expressionless. However, she stole nces and looked at Lin Wang every now and then. The woman looked elegant in person with an average body. But she was still confident that she looked better. Lin Wang''s only advance was that she was a sessful woman so basically most people will say that the two match together.


    ''Who cares anyway if they match each other?'' She thought. She was confident she will be a lot better in theing years. Besides, Jordan will marry her.


    Then Raven thought that she hadn''t sign the document yet. She doubt Jordan will easily change his mind. Still, it''s better if she will finalize everything immediately. So she eats as fast as she can. She needs to sign the paper now.


    "Hey slow down. Why are you in a hurry?" Senior Choi asked seeing Raven almost choked with her sudden speed of eating.


    "I forgot an important document to sign. I have to hurry back." Raven exined and continued to eat in a hurry.


    "What document?" Senior Choi asked suspiciously.


    "It''s for Jordan. I will help him out so hurry up if you want us to get married." Raven said unconsciously.


    Sheena coughed. She wasn''t aware with that and she was shocked to hear Raven''s words. "You will marry Jordan?"


    Raven just nodded, "I will tell you the detailster. Hurry up and finish your food. I have to sign it now." Raven said while she looked at Lin Wang who was obviously flirting with Jordan. She was always smiling and touchy to Jordan''s arm and shoulder every now and then.


    Senior Choi on the side was suppressing hisugh. It was Jordan''s request to bring Raven here. Now he understands why. That was so scheming.


    He wondered, just when did his son learn to do something like that?

 Chapter 45 Time Is Gold

    Raven looked at the document. Jordan already had his signature on it beforehand so only hers was nk.


    She was really hesitating with the consummation thing. She knew Jordan. He usually followed rules by the book. It''s safer if she can keep the original condition. However, she can no longer dy the signing. What if Jordan suddenly decided to just get another woman? Someone who can meet all the criteria and standard fit for a perfect wife.


    In his kind of world, of rich people, this certain things do happen a lot, the ''Marriage of Convenience'' was verymon. People marry even though they don''t like or love the person at first. They just all say the same thing, that everything will follow eventually after marriage, like and love can be developed in due time. For some rtionship, it can be true but there are also some which end in failure.


    She suddenly felt afraid for some unexined reason. So she quickly signed the paper, put it back inside the envelope and walked out to her room to go at Jordan''s room.


    Raven knocked at the door.


    "Who''s that?" She heard Jordan asked.


    "It''s me." Raven answered. She opened the door and went inside when Jordan told her toe in.


    He looked like he had a shower. He was wearing just his pajamas while he was drying his hair with a towel.


    Raven blushed so she slightly bowed her head and spoke, "I''m sorry. I will just return after you are finished."


    She turned around to go back when Jordan suddenly stopped her.


    "You are here already and I''m almost done." Jordan said inly.


    However, Raven was ufortable seeing him shirtless so she said, "Put on your shirt first. I''m notfortable talking to a shirtless guy."


    Jordan chuckled and put on his shirt.


    "You can turn around now Miss Conscious." Jordan teased her. Raven turned around with a crumpled face. Jordan already guessed why she was here since she was holding the envelope.


    He smiled wickedly while he was still drying his hair with the towel. Raven walked towards Jordan''s dresser and said, "Come here and sit. I will help you dry your hair."


    Jordan arched his eyebrow though he followed. Raven put the envelope on the desk and pulled out Jordan''s blow dryer at the side of the dresser. She started to dry his hair.


    "Are you sleeping with wet hair?" Raven asked while she strokes Jordan''s hair under the blower.


    "Yeah most of the time since I amzy and dead tired already to do this kind of stuff. I see you brought the envelope? Did you sign it already?" Jordan said while he was staring at Raven from the mirror.


    He felt good. Raven doing this little thing for him made his heart flutters.


    "Yes, I already did." Raven answered then sighed deeply.


    "What''s with the sighing? Don''t worry I won''t do anything at all unless you permit me too. Ouch!" Jordan said and growled at the same time when Raven suddenly pulled his hair harder while she was stroking it.


    "Sorry, the hairs were intertwined." Raven said as an alibi. Jordan was teasing her so she intentionally pulled the hairs abruptly.


    ''Serves you right!'' she thought inwardly.


    Jordan was grinning while he still stared at Raven through the mirror. ''She was really cute blushing like that.'' He thought to himself while he enjoyed staring at Raven''s beautiful face lovingly.


    "I will ask Lou to prepare the wedding two days before you go back to school. Give me the list of the persons you want to invite." Jordan said excitedly.


    Raven frowned and said, "That fast? Can we just do the wedding aftermencement day?"


    Jordan did not answer. The sooner the better it will be. He preferred to do it before his father''s operation.


    "We will do it anyway. Why wait that long? Besides, you had requested for it to be a secret. So I don''t see the point for dy." Jordan answered simply.


    Raven''s face can''t be painted. She felt that she''s been trapped.


    "You are the one who needs help. But why it''s you who always should be followed?" Raven asked in irritation. She turned off the dryer and put it back and immediately went out of Jordan''s room.


    Jordan inhaled and exhaled deeply.


    Although the doctors had confirmed the higher rate of sess after operation, unfortunately, for most people, stage 4 colon cancer is not considered curable. However, it can almost always be treated.


    People can live many months and even years with stage 4 colon cancer ording to the doctors. How long a person lives after operation depends on many things, including how the colon cancer cells are behaving, where the colon cancer has spread, and how a person responds to avable treatments.


    It can''t be helped. Time is gold for them right now, especially for his father.

 Chapter 46 Authors Dilemna

    Honestly this was what happened. this author was a newbie who was excited to post her ideas/novels so she posted her in writing novels both in Moboreader app and in ReadNovelFull.


    In moboreader, I signed a non exclusive contract (they knew I''m posting the chapters at ReadNovelFull too and they said that''s okay & wont affect anything) so I thought that''s okay double hosting I''m sure it will be fair to the other site once the novel got premium in here (they already locked the chapters at moboreader both for The Brother Who Hates Me and Gemstone:The Burning Game Of Love).


    Then a friend scolded me, "hey you''ll gonna be dead if the readers from Moboreader found out that your chapters in here are free while locked at theirs (well so far no ones from my readers there are attacking me negatively so i said nahh that''s fine that''s ok cause ReadNovelFull will also lock chapters once it goes premium) then she asked me if i already confirm it to ReadNovelFull first?


    So i did open it up via discord and found out thru other Authors that ReadNovelFull had an exclusive contract only. (in short i think you''ll gonna read my chapters for free till the end since ording to them ReadNovelFull''s premium works are exclusive for ReadNovelFull only) hehe well its okay as long as I''m seeing my ranking goes on top this author was feeling happy and appreciated whenever my ranking goes up, ReadNovelFull was really a better app also for me so I''m nning to do more novels in here in the future (i will make sure to upload my next novel in here only).


    So the thing is I will continue to update the chapters for now, but, once i will have a reader from Moboreader who will attack me negatively, i had no choice but to pull this one out or if my ranking goes down i will pull this novel out also.


    To be honest, this novel had a good ranking in here and this was the one reason I''m having a hard time to pull this one out haha. If u had noticed i already pulled out the Gemstone book 1 which I n to put back once the contract was finished at Moboreader (it will be in four books the Gemstone series - & i n to release the 3 books only here just not sure when will i start on doing the drafts haha)


    Gosh i had a wrong move... bad decision to do double hosting because i think it was very unfair for my readers at Moboreader thinking that chapters in here had no chances to be locked up...


    PS:


    Although the author is enjoying writing i had also dreamed of earning at the same time with my efforts (it''s not easy at all to spend hours creating stuff on your heads - making sure you write something that the readers can enjoy) so i had a dilemma also to reach my quota at Moboreader and I''m afraid I wont if the readers there will find out that the Chapters here are Free...


    Can u even understand this long exnation? hehe

 Chapter 47 Stunning Like a Princess

    Raven was still in the dressing room. Steph and her group were assisting her with the dress including hair and make-up. It was a Victorian theme party at the grand ballroom of the top hotel in their country.


    Raven was so surprised that her father had thrown such a grand party for her. She knew about the party but she did not expect something like this, he had overdone it.


    Senior Choi entered the room and was so satisfied how Raven looked. "You are the most beautiful daughter I had ever seen. So stunning like a Princess." Senior Choi praised her and his eyes were full of admiration.


    Ravenughed and said, "Well, you are also the most handsome father I had ever seen my whole life."


    Steph can''t help and alsomented, "Raven Lee is definitely someone the fashion world wouldn''t forget. I bet after this, entertainment industries will woo you just to sign a contract with them."


    Ravenughed once more and replied, "Stop it both of you. You''re overreacting!"


    Then, Sheena entered the room, like Senior Choi, she was so fascinated. "Wow, I am now questioning even my real identity."


    Raven can no longer, take it and poked her friend, "Oh not you also. Stop it already."


    She was blushing because of their overly praises words on how she looked right now. Seeing herself in the mirror, Raven sighed. She looked like a real Princess in a movie. The sparkling ball gown in dazzling bright pink off shoulder was showing her full bosoms while it perfectly fit and showed her small waist.


    The make-up artist was inventive and just wet a Moran terracotta pot to create a deep-rose liquid stain, which she pressed on Raven with her finger which looked like Raven''s lips were slightly stained for heightened color; pouty with desire.


    Raven''s shoulders sparkled by the mesmerizing concoction of MAC''s Strobe Cream and fine, silvery glitter in Reflects Pear "mushed up" together. Then a smattering of Swarovski crystals was strategically ced all over Raven''s chest. Her skin looked luminous, as if it lit up from the inside.


    Raven''s hair was wearing half up, half down curls. The team made a tiara-like, braided faux-hair piece artfully sprinkled with Swarovski crystals, and then ced more bling in Raven''s tumbling waves. They made sure the precious gems stayed put ¨C but didn''t damage Raven''s hair ¨C with gentle eysh glue.


    It can be considered as the mostvish party of the country. An army of teenagers (Raven''s friends, ssmates, acquaintances) and the countries business tycoons (Senior Choi and Jordan''s acquaintances) arrived in Victorian costume for a ball and dinner to celebrate the 18th birthday of Senior Choi''s foster daughter Raven.


    Reporters and photographers had their cameras shes when Raven entered the ballroom. All of them including the guests rose up to receive her grand entrance. They were all mesmerized by the beauty of Senior Choi''s foster daughter.


    "I heard that Steph created Raven''s gown which must have cost a millions." One of the reporters murmured. One of the invited guests was the Wang Family. Lin Wang was scrutinizing Raven from head to toe as she walked to the entrance together with Senior Choi.


    Raven shed her wide and warmed smile to the crowd. Yes, she''s not fond into parties but that doesn''t mean she doesn''t know how to mingle with the crowd. She was very natural when ites to this kind of thing and it''s actually one of her best assets. She was good at public rtions matter.


    She looked around still smiling like a beauty queen having her walk on a stage. Senior Choi who probably noticed something on her murmured, "Jordan is just around taking care of all the guests that arrived. Don''t worry he will surely snatch you away from me sooner orter."


    Raven flushed unconsciously and replied, "Who said I''m looking for him. I am smiling to all the guests. Can''t you tell?"


    Senior Choi just chuckled. His big Raven was so defensive, can''t she just say the word "Okay."


    Raven was still irritated because of Jordan sincest night. However, she still doesn''t want to miss his first reaction once he saw her tonight.


    She had spotted Lin Wang who looked at her like she was studying an organism under a microscope. Raven gave her the best and sweetest smile she got before shifting her gaze to the other guests.


    ''Where the hell is Jordan?'' She thought to herself. She wanted to take the opportunity to convince him to dy the wedding next year. Maybe her charm tonight could work out on him.


    A hundreds bottles of champagne and thousands canapes, the party appeared in full swing. The musicians from the best Philharmonic started to y. The ballroom dancing had begun.


    Raven''s first dance was his father Senior Choi. She was enjoying how her father was swaying her around like a child.


    "You will always be the little Raven I know even if you grew older. You know how I loved you right?" Senior Choi asked while they were dancing. Raven nodded and smiled at her father lovingly.


    "Can you promise father that no matter what happened you will stay sweet as you are like the little Raven I know? Stay happy and as energetic as you always are. And make sure you follow what your heart tells you and learn to trust your intuition?" Senior Choi suddenly became serious while he said those words.


    Before Raven could answer the music suddenly stopped. And Jordan had announced that dinner will be served in a while by the most prestigious chef in the country.


    Raven was staring at Jordan who looked handsome in his outfit. She sighed deeply, the moment she was anticipating had vanished. She was dead curious to see Jordan''s face and reaction while she entered the ballroom but failed to do so.


    She left her father for a while to greet the guests she knew. Then she heard a stiletto steps from her behind. It was Lin Wang who was smiling at her.


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