His Contractual Mistress

Hailey remained inside the secret room, strolling around, and checked out more of Vince's floor plans. It impressed her.

Vince is incredibly skilled and creative at the same time, and he also gives importance to nature. He didn't forget that. All of his designs include a beautiful garden and trees.

In her research, Vince promotes Electronic vehicles that would be friendly to the ecosystem. It was what she envisions as well for her city.

Meeting Vince is a blessing to her life. Finally, soon, all that she dreams of will take place. 

She is thrilled that Vince soon works for her. And she could not wait to see all of his ideas for her city.

As Hailey continues roaming around the room, one table caught her attention. She didn't see it yet anywhere in the world. So it means this floor plan has not to build eventually.

"Do you like it?"

Hailey didn't notice that Vince is back already. She straightened her body and glanced in his direction, leaning at the door.

"Yeah! It's amazing! But I didn't notice this in P Country. Is it your upcoming big project?"

Sadness flashes in Vince's eyes; he pursed his lips and expressed, "I wished…"

He smiled timidly, then strides toward Hailey. The moment he got closer to her, he wrapped his arms around her waist.

"Indeed, my dream project. However, it needs an enormous amount of money to build this tower and bet the world's tallest building that holds the record at the moment. I haven't found investors who would share my dream. For now, it's impossible to build it here in Metro City. So..."

"Oh. Are you saying that you are open to handing it to a client if ever anyone is interested? I mean, if another country planning for this kind of project?"

Vince shrugs a shoulder, "Why not? As long as the SHEN GROUP who will build it, I'm okay with it."

"Sounds great!" Hailey didn't notice that she jumped and kissed Vince. And this time, it was on his lips.

For what she did, Vince is playing a gorgeous smile across his handsome face. Hailey didn't notice, but it becomes natural for them to be this intimate without an audience.

It made him happy that Hailey didn't question him about their agreement because he could not make up his mind yet; if he will confess the truth that he created a rumor so that Hailey would force to sign an agreement with him to act as his mistress.

He has no other explanation to keep her by his side but made up a half-lie.

Vince heaves a deep sigh. He had forgotten that Hailey was just in front of him. It was late when he realized this. Now Hailey is giving him a questioning stare.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

Vince shook his head. He raises his hand and rubs her cheeks. "Nothing. I'm just thinking about many things."

He made a lame excuse. It was true, but he could not share what was truly bothering him.

"Is this about your dream project?" Hailey asked curiously. She could see the frustration in Vince's eyes. She knew as she could relate to what Vince is feeling. She could often not stop feeling frustrated that her dream city hasn't finished yet, which she always wish for a miracle to happen. "Don't worry. I know you can build your dream project one day. It will come!"

A warm feeling crept toward his heart. It made him happy to hear that Hailey believes it. It is all that he needed, and not to lose hope.

He clasps his palm on Hailey's face, and slowly, he lowered his mouth to claim her lips.

It was sweet, and he became addicted to it now. Every time she was close to him, all he wanted to do is to kiss her enticing lips.

Hailey, on the other hand, noticed that Vince is constantly kissing her. Not only that, he is becoming touchy, like hugging her, holding her hand, or his arms wrap around her waist.

He is becoming intimate with her both in public and private, like now. So it made her wonder if this is still about their agreement.

However, she has no courage to ask Vince because she is afraid to hear that all the kisses they shared today are only part of their act for a future show.

Just thinking about it, a pinch of pain began filling her heart. And she knew this would be an extreme sadness than the one she felt when Bryan broke her heart.

After the long kiss... Vince parted their lips to breathe some air. Their eyes remained locked on each other, and no one plans to withdraw.

If it weren't for the voice behind the door, they wouldn't come back to their senses yet. It was Vince who first reacted. He coughed and replied to his assistant. 

"We're coming out!" 

When Tim left, Vince invited Hailey outside. She found out that Tim was setting the coffee table with the food Vince ordered for them.

She was still full with the breakfast they ate before they came to the company. But she could not say no to the food waiting on the table.

Hailey picks up a cinnamon donut and takes pleasure in the heavenly taste of it.

It fascinates him to watch her having big bites of the donuts. "Here, have some coffee." Vince handed her the mug.

"Hmm..." Her mouth is still full, but she would like to thank Vince. She swallowed the last piece of donut inside her mouth and sipped the coffee; it was a very satisfying feeling. "Um... Thank you."

"You're welcome," Vince smiled. He placed a slice of berries pie on a plate and gave it to Hailey. Instantly, her eyes spark with delight.

"So, do you already name the tower?" Hailey asks Vince as they continue munching snacks.

"Ah, about that. I haven't named it yet since I am unsure I could build it here in Metro City. Well, if I found a client, then I'm open for them to name it," Vince responded. He went on, "In my experiences, clients name them something that regards their nativity and history."

"That's a great thought!" Hailey happily concurred. "So, what is your whole concept regarding the tower? Will it be penthouses? Offices?"

"If what the client wanted."

"If it will be you... How did you visualize this tower?" Hailey asked Vince casually. No. It is an interview. Vince didn't know that this was between a Client and Contractor project meeting.

Of course, this time, she is the one who will make Vince sign a contract with her. It's the other way around.

Pondering for a moment, Vince answered, "I was planning for several restaurants on the top of the tower."

"Restaurants, pubs, conventional halls, wedding receptions in the middle of the tower?" Hailey suggested.

Vince concurred, "That is a brilliant idea."

"I was thinking of something that would attract tourists from all over the world. The tallest tower in the world... Not bad!"

Listening to Hailey, Vince chuckled. "I didn't know you were interested in architecture."

Hailey emptied her mug and put it down on the table. She meets Vince's eyes and smiles at him. "I am always fascinated with unique structures and stunning designs. I love all of your projects here in P Country, particularly here in Metro City."

"I'm glad it impresses you," Vince expressed with a big smile. He looks proud, and he should be.

Hailey would love to compliment Vince further. But of course, she need not be obvious in front of him. He didn't know that the reason she came here to P Country is because of him. Not that Eva is his wife but his talent.

"You are great." The words Hailey chooses to praise Vince.

"Coming from you, it flatters me. Thank you." And it's the truth.

In the past, every time he received any recognition, he felt nothing but only payment for his hard work. But being praised by Hailey, it is all he needed to feel prouder of his achievements. And every achievement he will receive from here on. He wanted to share with her.

Vince reached Hailey's chin to kiss her, but another knocked on the door, and once again, he was interrupted!

'Timothy Cheng! You have no bonus this month!' Vince opens his office door. He blurted out, "What?"

Tim immediately froze to see his boss's fuming face. 'What's with him? Did I interrupt with something? Aha!'

A light bulb pops out on his head. Now he is convinced; something is going on for real between his boss and his fake girlfriend.

Raising a brow, Vince taunted his assistant. "Are we going to stare at each other, Tim?"

"Ah! I'm here to inform you, boss, that the meeting is about to begin." Tim informed his boss, concealing a smile. 'Don't tell me you forgot again, boss? Your salary should cut down half!' However, he is the boss. It's his approval, by the way. Tim realized soon.

Now that Tim mentioned it, he remembers the reason why they drop by in the company.

Vince lowered his gaze to his wristwatch. And it's 1:30 in the afternoon. He told Tim, "Okay. I'll be there in a minute."

Vince slammed the door close, and it almost got Tim's face. He frowned. 'Boss, why are you so cruel to me?!'