BILLIONAIRE'S BETRAYAL

Taken

Krizzia's POV

I went home and told mama everything that had happened to me last night. Except for the accident. I also lied and made excuses.

As expected they're worried. They even told me to stop taking part time jobs. But I can't just let it go especially since a big event is coming.

Later on, I went to visit aunt Sylvia. "I'm sorry, Auntie. The food turned to waste." And because she cooked it yesterday at noon... It cannot be eaten anymore.

She joined me in their dining room, "It's okay, Kriz. I got you, here have some." She then served a hot soup of mongo to me. I smiled happily.

"Careful, that's hot." I nod right away.

"Thank you, Auntie! You really are the best cook!" She just chuckled in response. She left me to get some water in the fridge. Then I remembered Zachary.

"By the way, Auntie. When is Zach coming home?" It's been a week since he left home. I've been missing his presence.

"He said he will be home tonight." then placed a cold glass of water beside my plate.

I'm blowing the hot soup in my spoon, while listening to her. "Great! That means his exams have been done?"

"Maybe? He's not reporting me his whereabouts these days, so I'm still not certain."

My face turned sour. "He's not informing you? Why?"

She laughed, and sat on the opposite chair. "I don't know that kid. He's been secretive to me. But I know he's alright. I trust him."

My upper lip twitched. "It's still not proper, you know." I battered. "He should at least call you and text you about his day and such. You're his mom! He can't be mean!" Even me, he didn't contact. I don't know, but I'm feeling disappointed.

She just sighed and smiled at me. Telling me that it's fine. But I'm not buying it. Zach is being irresponsible! I'll make him remember that later. I will.

When the clock hit five p.m I took the grill stand, the barbecues that papa prepared and the other things that we need for the little business. Displaying it in front of our house.

Yes, selling barbecues is one among those sidelines I do. Like today, I skipped the tutor session and wasted half of the income for today. I have to cover it through this.

Mom stayed behind us. Watching me and dad who're busy grilling and entertaining the customers.

"Krizzia, don't you have work today? You're pretty early now." Cheryl asked. She's standing near me. She's a neighbor.

I chuckled while fanning the barbecue. "Nah, I skipped my work sessions this morning. But I will be out later for my other part time."

"Aren't you tired? You've been doing lots of work everyday..." I know she will ask me about that. Because that was a similar question I also received from others.

"It's tiring, I also got tired. But it's okay, I'm having fun too. I learned to love the things I do every single day and eventually got used to it.

We had conversed on many topics, and that was all about us. Our reputations and responsibilities in each of our family. How we are and such. It was nice talking to her.

As always, voicing out your thoughts from your experiences makes you feel better. I like it when I'm being vocal.

It's already eight in the evening, and our barbecues have been consumed by our precious buyers. Thank God, I get to have the chance to sit down now.

I sigh heavily, as I fan my sweaty face.

"Kriz, were you able to come home early tomorrow?" Crisly asked. She's Cheryl's cousin.

"I'll be home at noon. Why?" I asked.

She giggled. In her face, I can see that she's excited. "Have you seen that on-going construction of a new apartment?"

I frowned. Then I looked at the construction nearby. "It is said that the boss of HT holdings will visit tomorrow!"

Now it confused me more. "HT holdings?" Seems like I just heard it.

"You do not know? He's famous nowadays! Every person on earth knows him! How come you do not know about him?"

I chuckled awkwardly. "Hm... Maybe I'm not that attentive when it comes to other people's business?"

Crisly gone hopeless. Her shoulders fell. My lips twitch at the sight of her. "I'm sorry, Crisly. But I don't know this man, really."

Suddenly, her face lights up from being hopeless. "It's okay! You will get to see him tomorrow anyway. Haha"

I just shrugged at her and stood up to entertain the customer. "I can't compromise that, Crisly. I don't really spare time for fantasies." I said. She ran to me and clung on my elbow. I don't mean to be rude tho.

"Please, Krizzia. Let us see him." She pleaded.

I sigh, "I don't know this person, Crisly. I'm also not interested if he's hot or gorgeous like what you said to me. I have worked prior."

She leaned her body closer to me. Leaning her head on my shoulders. Giving me a hard time when I'm grilling the barbecues. "Please please please!"

How could I refuse this girl? Can someone tell me how? I rolled my eyes in defeat. "Fine. If you wish, we'll head there tomorrow. Just make sure that we're not in trouble, okay?"

In a flash, she jumped on me, hugged me and showered me kisses. That's the time Zach and Cheryl came.

"You really are the best, Kriz!"

Now I know why she wants me to come with her. I used to sell banana barbecue at the construction for the construction workers. The guard lets me in every time I have those bananas. Without me, she can't enter.

"What are you up to this time, Crisly?" Cheryl uttered with a suspicious voice.

Crisly made a face. "I'm inviting Kriz. Why?"

Cheryl's brow arched in confusion. "Invite? For what?"

"Nah-uh, my dear cousin. It's our errand for tomorrow's event." Crisly reasoned followed by a teasing chuckle. These two rarely have a peaceful talk. They don't get along well, because Cheryl is opposite to Crisly who always opposes her cousins business.

"Okay, you two. Stop right there. Can't you see, I'm at work. So if you plan to quarrel, please leave my place. I don't want to displease my customers."

Just like what I said, they left and quarreled somewhere. What a pain.

I glance at Zach. He's been silent since earlier. "You alright?" I muttered.

He gazes at me. His eyes seem tired. "Come near me, please?"

Just like what I said, he approached me. I felt his forehead and his neck. "You're not sick, but you look tired. Why bother to visit me?"

He avoided gaze. Looking embarrassed. "You don't have to visit me when you're not feeling well, Zach. I can understand." I stated and left his neck to pack the barbecues that my customer ordered.

"I'm sorry." He said in a low voice.

I smiled at him. "I told you, it's fine Zach." I assured him. I was disappointed at him. But upon seeing his tired features, I hold back.

"Here's your order, Mr. Clyde. I'm sorry for my friends so stubbornly." I handed the barbecue to Mr. Clyde apologized as well.

"It doesn't matter, Kriz. Seeing you and your friends teasing each other made me remember my youth days." Followed by a heartily laugh. We had a few conversations before he left me and Zach.

Zach went behind me, I can hardly notice. He hugged me and clung his chin onto my shoulder. "Mother told me that you had gone disappointed with me." He mumbled.

We looked like a couple expressing our emotions to each other in public. If none have known that we are just friends. Everybody might mistook us. We used to be clingy to one another. Especially when we have problems. I usually give him a hug to help him ease his worries.

I turned to him and embraced him back. "Was school tough for you?"

He shook his head, denying my question. "No, I'm worried about you."

My lips twitched at his statement. "I will not believe you."

He laughed, and caressed my long hair. "I know you would say that." He concluded. I was about to pull off his embrace when he held me tight. "Let us stay this way for a bit longer, Krizzia." I stayed and waited for him to feel better.

I want to ask him about his personal problems. I want to know what he felt today and what he's up to in recent weeks. But I refrain myself from asking. If he felt of telling me. He will tell it himself without me asking. I respected him and I couldn't afford to squeeze him about it just because I was disappointed.

Sooner, he let me go and helped me keep my things towards our house. He had dinner with me and my parents too. We talked a lot but he never shared about his whereabouts. Making me worry.

"I'm going now, Krizzia." He said as I escorted him to the gate.

"Are you going back to the dorm tomorrow?" Just this once, I want to know. I missed him and I want to spend time with him just a little bit.

He smiled at me in a teasing way. "Do you want me to?"

I pout. "You're teasing me." I commented as he went closer to me again.

"I will escort you wherever you go tomorrow. Don't be sad, hm?" This is just so like him.

I stepped backwards, stopping him as well with my palms clasp on his broad chest. "Enough, Zach. You touch me much for a night." Followed by his chuckles. Which made me pinch his cheeks in reward for teasing me.

"Aww! That hurts!" He blurted. I snorted and close the gate as well. "Go home now. I have to rest."

"Goodnight, Kriz. See you tomorrow." I just nod and escort him with my eyes. I just hope tomorrow will be soft to me.

HUNT'S POV

"Sir, seems like the girl is taken." It's already eleven in the evening when Hellion reported to me. I just told him to look after the woman. To know her.

It's crazy, yet I couldn't help but be curious. "She has a boyfriend and they looked like they love each other."

I leave my laptop and lean on the swivel. Work has been exhausting me. "Their house happened to be just nearby the new on-going project. What are my next moves sir?"

I got up when I remembered her ID. I took it out from my drawer. Staring at it. She's indeed beautiful. I can't get my eyes off of her. And she's like... Franzy. My ex-girlfriend.

Damn! What am I thinking?

"Withdraw for now, Hellion. We'll check on her by tomorrow." I declared which he also followed.

Just like what the hell am I doing?! I grit my teeth in annoyance. I decided to leave Michigan to move on and keep my distance from women. But now, I'm being ridiculous!

"Krizzia huh?"