Yearning for Love

Devil in disguise

Andrew Pak's heart raced with anticipation when he received a call from his father, knowing that this wasn't just any call. Mr. Halls was prepared to teach him about his business and discuss a partnership deal—a remedy Andrew had been seeking. Xor Export was his cherished dream, and it was time to bring it to life. Despite facing setbacks and failures, he remained undeterred, resolute in his persistence. He thrived on challenges, constantly seeking more. Overcoming his weaknesses had fortified him with a strength he would always treasure. His journey from drafting plans and being self-sufficient to owning a company and a house felt like a dream. He had achieved all of this without relying on his parents—a testament to his tenacity. The recognition he received, being interviewed by Forbes and featured in various news channels as one of the youngest and richest entrepreneurs, was surreal.

His path to success had been far from easy, but that's what he relished. Challenges fueled his passion, and he was hungry for more. Mr. Halls, aware of helpful investors in the industry, was a valuable ally in this pursuit. Andrew understood that convincing these investors wouldn't be simple, but he was up for the task. After all, he had a reputation for rising to challenges.

Leaving his girlfriend's bed with a final peck, Andrew braced himself for the meeting ahead.

"Will I see you again?" Diana's voice held a hint of uncertainty.

"Maybe," he replied, his tone noncommittal.

"I hate it when you're so vague. Do I need to beg to see you now?" Her words carried a sense of devastation.

"Diana, please, just let me be," he pleaded, his patience waning. He cursed her in his mind, referring to her as a "leech."

He called his father for further instructions as he walked out.

"Where are we meeting?" he inquired, settling into his car.

"The Halls apartment, in the Jay Estate. Consult the map for directions."

"Got it, Dad."

"Andrew!!!" Diana's voice chased after him as he drove off, the sound of her slipper hitting his car startling him. He looked back to see her standing in a blanket, her enraged expression resembling that of an old witch. He shook off the incident, thankful that his interest in her had waned. He was now in search of someone fresh, meek, and naive.

Arriving at Mr. Halls' apartment, Andrew noted its modest size, unfazed by it. The white bungalow, accompanied by a mini garden, exuded a sense of charm. Upon entering, his mother greeted him at the door with excitement, her embrace conveying her joy.

"I'm glad you're here. They're inside with their daughter," she informed him.

"They have a daughter?" Andrew's surprise was obvious.

"Yes, she's a lawyer," his mother answered.

A smirk played on Andrew's lips. This was the kind of information he welcomed. Stepping further into the room, he exchanged greetings with the Halls family. His attention was drawn to Laura Halls, a slender and graceful young woman studying law. She appeared pleasant enough.

"You must be Andrew," Mr. Halls addressed him with a warm smile. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you in person."

"The pleasure is mine, Mr. Halls," Andrew replied.

"My daughter, Laura Halls. She's currently in college pursuing law," Mr. Halls introduced.

"Nice to meet you," Andrew waved at her, his friendly gesture returned with a grin.

"I've heard quite a bit about you. Your work speaks volumes. I'm sure we have a lot to discuss," Laura stated confidently.

Andrew acknowledged her assessment with a nod, appreciating her straightforwardness. While he found her intelligent, he couldn't help but sense that she might see through any attempts at manipulation. He turned his attention away, disinterested in the flirty gestures he had grown tired of.

"Let me go get Caroline. I'm not sure what's taking her so long," Mrs. Halls mentioned, prompting Andrew's curiosity about the second daughter.

As discussions continued, Andrew found himself glancing toward the hallway door in anticipation. However, to his disappointment, only Mrs. Halls returned without the anticipated second daughter.

"You look lovely, Laura," he complimented, feeling a reluctant connection with the aspiring lawyer. However, he recognized that she possessed a sharp mind, making it risky to underestimate her.

"It's Laura," she corrected.

"Apologies," Andrew offered insincerely.

His gaze returned to the hallway door, awaiting the appearance of the second daughter. Yet, it seemed she was in no hurry to attend the meeting. Sensing eyes on him, he turned to meet a gaze that seemed to engulf him—a pair of innocent eyes fixed on his. The stare was so intense that he looked away, focusing on the direction of the gaze. A young woman stood there, looking awkward and anxious. The unexpected stumble over a stool drew everyone's attention to her, leaving Andrew curious about her identity.

"Caroline?" Mr. Halls' voice snapped Andrew out of his thoughts. The young woman stepped into the room, her hands nervously tugging at her hair.

"Hello," she greeted hesitantly, her demeanor suggesting she felt like a criminal.

Andrew observed her unease, feeling disgusted by what he perceived as an act. He questioned whether this could be the second daughter he had anticipated, his disappointment evident.

Mrs. Halls encouraged her to sit, introducing her as Caroline Halls. Andrew's attention remained on Caroline as he noticed her shy glances and fidgeting. He inwardly smirked, recognizing that she was drawn to him. He viewed this as an advantage, a way to manipulate her into helping him gain control over her father.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Caroline. You look lovely," he complimented, aware of the effect his words had on her. He observed her flushed cheeks and discomfort.

As the conversation progressed, Andrew could feel Caroline's eyes on him, observing his every move. He was determined to use her attraction to his advantage, viewing her as a pawn in his

quest for power. This naive and seemingly docile woman was exactly what he needed to gain complete control over Mr. Halls.