Zara

News anchor : " just in, a major scandal is rocking the business world as allegations of embezzlement has been made against Zara fortensky, heiress to the fortensky empire. According to sources, Zara is accused of misappropriate funds to build her company.

The court has given Zara an ultimatum. If she fails to provide sufficient evidence, the company will be stripped of her assets. The news has sent shockwaves through the business community, with many watching how this would unfold.

In other news, the......

I click the remote, and the screen flickers black silencing the news. My expression remains calm, unfazed by the bombshell that's been dropped. Embezzlement allegations? A scandal that could ruin my empire? It's almost amusing.

One of the board members clears his throat, breaking the silence. "This is bad heiress, we need to take action fast"

I turn to him, my gaze steady. " I'll fix it"

Another board member speak up, his voice laced with concern " you don't even look bothered. Don't you realize this could ruin you"

I turn to him a small smile playing on my lips. "You're right" I say. "I know exactly who's behind this scandal, and he has the influence to ruin me. So, I should be bothered" I pause, my voice taking a slightly different tone. "But that's an attribute for the weak".

I stand up, my long black gown flowing around me like a shadow then my phone buzzed with a call

I roll my eyes as it rings, glancing at the screen to see JD's name flashing. I sigh inwardly before answering it

"I'm at a meeting, so go straight to the point"

JD's voice is laced with frustration "why did you bail out on our wedding, I got to the venue just to hear you've called the wedding off. After we've spent months arranging, and yet you couldn't call me atleast to tell me what was wrong"

"Well next time, you'll show up early"

"That's not a valid reason to call of our wedding"

I snort, my voice devoid of sympathy. "Your just a bag of excuses, JD. You know how I feel about punctuality"

His voice raises in anger. " Why are you so full of yourself, you don't even care how your decision affects others"

I didn't flinch, or feel remorse. Without another word, I hung up the call leaving him hanging on the line. I turned back to the board, my demeanor composed.

"So, where were we? Any ideas?"

The board members nod In unison, thier faces grave "we've come to realize that the only thing that can save you from this scandal, is the original document that state the company acquisition details," one of them says "those documents will prove that the company rightfully belongs to the fortensky family

I nod, my mind racing. "You're right, but the problem is. Those document are in the custody of Michael budgen. He took them with him when he parted ways with my father".

The board members exchange knowing glances. "We know, ma'am" one of them say. "But there is a huge chance he left it with his son"

Before they could say another world, I interrupted my voice breaking through the hall.

"Aliestar budgen"

My eyes widened, and I'm transported back in time. Memories come flooding back memories I thought was long buried. The room around me fade away, and I'm lost in the past, relieving the moment I thought I will never revisit.

I look at the board members, my eyes searching for any hint of uncertainty. "Is there another way?" I asked

They shake thier head in unison "that's the only way out ma, we need those documents"

I nod slowly, my mind made up. I take a deep breath, my voice firm and resolute. "Find Aliestar budgen" I say, my words echoing through the room. "bring him to me"

**********************

THREE DAYS LATER

I slam my fist on the table, the sound echoing through my office. I sink into my chair, my body trembling as I let out a scream, trying to release the pent up emotions.

How could this be happening? After thirteen years, how could fate bring us back together like this? I thought I buried the memories, the feelings.

But now it's all coming back. The promises we made, the love we shared as innocent kids. I feel like a child again. It's been thirteen years since we last saw, what if he has changed? What if he doesn't remember what we shared, what if....what if...

I try to compose myself, but it's to late. I'm flooded with emotions, overwhelmed by the thought of facing him again. I don't even know if I'll recognize him again, oh gosh. For the first time in 9 years, I feel like I'm loosing control.

My door opens and zoey comes in "ma'am, we've found Aliestar, he's here"

"I'll be down to see him shortly" I said, my voice Surprisingly calm, Zoey nods and exits my office.

I glanced down at the bracelet. We'd exchange it that summer, two kids who thought forever was simple. I had never stopped wearing mine

But now what if he hadn't kept his

I think of the possibility that he might have thrown his away, kept none of the memories we made.

I couldn't afford to look weak I front of him.

I made a decision, my hand moving to remove the bracelet. I can't look weak in front of him. I slip it of my wrist and tuck it in the drawer as I head out.

I stand outside, my long ash dress blowing gently in the wind, my gaurds flanking me. My eyes fixed on the car, my heart racing with anticipation. The driver emerge first and I wait anxiously for Aliestar to step out.

The doors open

Then he stepped out

tall, towering. Atleast 6'4 with a build that made even the gaurds behind me tense slightly. Defined arms under his black shirt.

My heart skipped

This couldn't be Aliestar

His hair was as long as mine , tied back in a perfect bun. That some how made him look even more dangerous

And he turns towards me, his sharp grey eyes locked onto mine, with a quite unreadable intensity .

My composure began to waver. I try to keep my cool but my palms are sweaty, my throat feels dry, what is happening?

Why did it feel like he could still read through me

I force myself to stand still, to project confidence and poise,but it's like my body is betraying me. My eyes is drawn to his face, searching for the boy I knew.

He strides towards me, his muscles ripping beneath his clothes. His jawline sharp, and his eyes seemed to bore into my very soul.

The softness I remembered was gone, replaced with something harder, colder but still familiar

Then he was in front of me.

For a heartbeat I just stood there. I'm 5'6, not exactly small. But next to him I felt smaller than i ever had, I had to tilt my head slightly to meet his gaze

He looked at me like he could still see the girl I used to be. And maybe something else too

I saw the birth mark beneath his left eyes,faint but still there.

That was all the proof I needed to know it wss him

I could've spoken, I should've, but i couldn't trust my voice

The silence between us stretches, akward and tense, until he breaks it with his deep husky voice

"I see you've forgotten how to welcome an old friend...."