~Gabriella's POV~

I had a week-long reservation at The Hills International Hotel. They were establishing a new hotel, and my little studio was contracted to photograph their new cuisine and rooms for an upcoming magazine. It was a fantastic bargain for both myself and my staff. The shoot began early this morning. I wasn't going to make it to Xander's school, and there was no way I was going to ask Chloe. The lady was struggling to take a breath. I took my phone from my pocket and dialed Grandma's number. I informed her that I would be out of town on business and would not be able to pick up Xander as usual. Grandma said she'd send a driver to pick him up.


The Hills were said to be the city's rulers. What exactly am I saying? They're in charge of the whole nation. I'd heard they were wealthy. I sometimes wonder whether Grandma Felicia was the owner of all of it. She was the only Hills I knew, but Grandma was usually at home, so she couldn't have owned and operated all of these enterprises. The Hills Group is also said to be owned by an arrogant Hills grandson. I'm not sure who that was. We divided duties among my helpers since a week was insufficient for such a large hotel. A man approached me and my teammates. He identified himself as Ethan, the Assistant CEO of Hills Group International, then another followed, introducing himself as the hotel manager. The manager instructed us to begin with the rooms. The hotel was enormous. Diamond suites, platinum suites, gold suites, and standard suites were available. I was photographing the diamond suites. I took the elevator with the manager, and we proceeded to the top level, where the diamond suites were located.

'Before you begin, I'd want to tell you that the hotel's owner is around, he is a brilliant guy who values perfection. You don't have to worry too much, however, since he will just be here for today's photoshoot; he is largely involved with the financial side of things."

'Thank you so a lot for forewarning me. I'll make certain that I satisfy his expectations."


'That's OK. Please notify me when you are ready." He said and left.

I took out my camera and put it on, as well as my photoshoot lights. My laptop was ready for editing. A few individuals arrived with the assistant CEO to see the shoot. While I was photographing the suite, we heard the door of the suite open, and I turned over to see a man walking in, not just any man, but Javier..... My pulse skipped a few beats when my gaze fell on his ocean-blue eyes. I gulped as he locked his gaze on me. My emotions were strewn everywhere.


'You're early, Javier. Were you not supposed to be in a meeting?" Ethan inquired.

'Yes, the meeting was called off. Who is she?" He inquired, his gaze fixed on me from head to toe.

I arched my brow at him. I wanted to shout, but I restrained myself. What makes him recall a one-night stand? Part of me wanted to be insulted, but another part of me reminded me that this was a good thing. After all, I was just meant to be a one-night stand.

'The proprietor of the picture studio we hired, Gabriella Parker." After introducing me, the manager grinned broadly and looked at him. Javier, on the other hand, seemed unimpressed.

'I'll take five," I replied as I walked to the restroom. It was necessary for me to weep it all out. The man who had abandoned me and wrecked my life was standing right in front of me, and I had to act OK. The jerk even feigned he didn't know who I was. I wanted to let it all out. I dashed to the toilet and sobbed until I was brave enough to face my darkest dread. I returned to my seat and sat down.

'Miss Parker, meet the president of Hills Group International." We were introduced by the hotel manager.

Since he was behaving as if he didn't know who I was, I'll do the same. I extended my hand, initiating a handshake.

'It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Hills."

I'm not going to be frightened by this guy in front of me," I told myself as I stared him in the eyes. After all, I'd already seen him naked.

'It's a pleasure to meet you too, Miss Parker. Because we have a lot of rivals out there, I want you and your staff to offer the best."

'I understand Mr. Hills."

His brusqueness made me nearly roll my eyes. We continued to look at each other until I broke my gaze. Seeing him lets me realize how much my son inherited from his father. I carried on with my task. When I was finished, I turned to the hotel manager and asked him to come over and look at the final editing of the photos. But the guy motioned for Javier to come over and have a look. He lowered himself till I could feel his breath on the back of my neck.

' Is this guy acting maliciously, or am I seeing things? If I could turn, I'm sure we'd end up kissing."

'What are your thoughts?" I inquired.

'You're quite excellent, Miss Parker."

'I appreciate that very much, Mr. Hills. That's what you're paying me to do. I suppose we've finished for the day." I then focused my attention on the hotel manager. 'When is the shoot tomorrow?"

'I'm not sure, Ethan, what time should Miss Parker begin shooting tomorrow?"

'Nine o'clock should work. Would Miss Parker want to have supper tonight?" I gazed at the guy with my brow wrinkled, but quickly adjusted my expression.

'I'm sorry, Sir, but my week is already booked. I wish I could make time, but I don't have much of it. Thank you for your offer." As I walked away, I muttered that, hoping he wouldn't say anything else.