Oh, would ya look at that...I'm back! I got this chapter done as quick as I can and I couldn't be any more proud of it.

"If you like it, tell everyone. If you don't, just lie."
(hehe)

Enjoy my precious rosy tulips! 🌷

♬ ✥*

Serenity.

"It's lovely to see you again, Serenity," Keon greeted, then gave me a kiss on the cheek. It wasn't professional, but I went along with it.

I took a seat in one of the chairs I'd sat in before, fiddling my hands with each other on my lap as I waited for him to speak. His assistant called me to see if I was free to come in today or a brief meeting. To his luck, I didn't have any plans, so I made my way to his firm in the early afternoon.

However, to my luck, it was pouring.

I loved Vancouver in the summertime, but I really loathed when it rain — then again, maybe it was because my mood wasn't exactly feeling that summer vibe.

A flowy lavender dress adorned my body, nude sandals on my feet, and my hair was pulled in a side ponytail. Of course, all of that just made everything worse. My dress was half soaked through, and the fabric almost glued to my legs; and what was once fluffy and smooth hair, it was now flat as it stuck onto my damp skin. Lastly, my favourite suede shoes were filthy from the wet mud that skidded onto the sidewalks.

It was great. Really.

There was one thing that could make my day even worse, and that was for my body to be flooded by dirty street water from a bus driving through the busy roads.

But even with that disaster, nothing could compare or help heal the aching feeling in my heart because of the man I loved.

I knew what I had to do, but I just needed a little courage to do so — and maybe talking to the man that Harry loathed would help.

"You as well," I spoke, watching as he took a seat in his leather office chair.

"It's really pouring out there, isn't it? You're all wet," Keon said with a slight smirk. If we were in a bar, I would've thrown my drink at him and walked out. But no, I was here on a professional reason, and nothing else.

"It's just a little drizzly out there. I forgot my umbrella," I replied with a straight face. "So, what was it that you wanted to speak to me about today? Is the reno not going well? From what I last checked, everything seemed right on track."

"No, no. It's nothing of that sort," he explained, clearing his throat. "To be honest, it isn't anything important. I just wanted to see if you were aware of the changes that Harry did. I got an email from his assistant saying that he will no longer be apart of this project. The money will now come from Urban Corp. under a Joelle Larson instead of him."

And that was my official confirmation. Milo was right.

"Yes, I'm aware. I do plan on stopping by the company to get a few things straightened out, though. It has nothing to do with the renovations," I said with a sly smile.

"That's good. I was just glad that he didn't switch firms. That wouldn't have been all that pleasant. It would be hard switching firms mid-reno. Overseeing things, and certain people, just make a day go by so much nicer — so much smoother," he hinted, "Like silky, decadent chocolate. Do you agree?"

Wow. Well, that was not smooth at all.

It was clear to me that Harry didn't like him, and I was beginning to understand why — the signs were evident. The way he didn't look me in the eyes when I walked in as his gaze was locked on my chest and trailed down my legs.

He was a player.

But that wasn't going to happen — not with me.

"No, actually. I don't like chocolate," I said. Big lie, Serenity, you love chocolate. But I smirked anyway. "The thought of it actually makes me wanna hurl."

"Oh, um, never mind then," he stammered, and I tried my best to keep my grin at bay. "Let's move on then, shall we? My design assistant suggested a few other options for the flooring colours. Would you like to take a look at them?"

There you go, big guy. Keep it professional.

"I mean, I had my heart already set on keeping it black and white. You know, pure minimalism to keep the dancers mind the creative and colourful part," I clarified, and he nodded in understanding.

"I understand. It's just so she gets off my back, she's quite persistent."

It seems that she clearly takes after her boss.

"Alright fine. Why not?" I let out a small sigh, shrugging my shoulders. It wouldn't hurt to look at some other options, even though I was truly happy with what I decided. Harry even threw in some suggestions here and there, which were quite lovely in all honesty.

Of course, that was in the past — and at the very beginning. No further comments or suggestions came from him recently.

All I knew was that I needed to speak with him as soon as possible.

And that was exactly what I was going to do.

♬ ✥*

Once I finished my meeting with Keon, I decided to head straight to Urban Corp. — and as always, I didn't bother with scheduling an appointment. It was a habit I had with Harry, and I was going to keep it.

Any other opinions he had for me, he was going to tell them to me verbally. Those last texts were not good enough. He was dreaming if the thought they were.

The free time I had increased immensely since Riv and I weren't at the studio as much anymore. I had my classes occasionally, but that was generally it.

He had initially planned for me to go with him for apartment hunting, but Amara took over that spot instead.

In a way, I was losing some time to spend with my best friends, but I didn't mind. I needed the alone time to think about everything that was happening in my life; and when things up, I was going to harass them for leaving me to hang out on my own.

Every night, I spent reading through his messages, pining on the fact that I desperately missed him. It was getting tiring. My two best friends joined me throughout each sighing session — and they weren't Amara nor River. However, instead, it was Ben and Jerry. They were absolutely wonderful as they gifted me a delicious pint of chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream.

Of course, Luna and Emerald joined me, too. That pair would never leave me when I was at home. My orange tabby quickly to a love to my stuffed animal more than me. Whenever we were sitting in the living room, she'd meow loudly until I went to grab Emmy to sit with us. I almost always placed her in my lap, and Luna would join us by curling around her, hearing a soft purr from contentment.

And yes, I nicknamed my plush tiger.

Harry wouldn't like that. He hated nicknames.

That was a lie.

He loved them but refused to say it. One day he would, and I was determined to make that happen — just as I was going to get him back to be my business partner. My determination was key to do this.

In the beginning, I was so desperate to get an investor to save my business; but now, I was so desperate to keep my heart from being broken.

Thankfully, the sun came out a bit, and my dress dried out. I re-braided the frizzy disaster that was my hair and wiped off the makeup that was smudged on my face. I looked human, but a messy one.

"Hey, Mark," I greeted with a smile.

The expression on Mark's face, yet again, wasn't as happy as it usually was — as it usually was before.

"Afternoon. Do you have a meeting with Miss Larson today?" he questioned.

Even the security guard was much more formal with me these days, and I didn't like it — not one bit. Harry has affected everyone so immensely that he's terrified them with the threat of possibly getting fired. I briefly heard things from a handful of people and it seemed like he meant it.

"No." I shook my head.

"Ren, I really can't help you. Mr Styles will fire me if I let you up to his floor."

And there's another confirmation.

"How would he even know?"

"He gets notified when an elevator goes up to his floor," he answered simply.

"So take me up to 49 then," I suggested.

"Ren, please. I can't afford to lose this job. I'm a single father and —" His pleading broke my heart, but doing what I needed to do would solve that issue — that fear.

"Hey, Mark, it's okay. If I was rich, I'd hire you on the spot. Mr Styles is a bit cranky these —"

A sarcastic laugh escaped his lips. "A bit?"

"Okay, a lot cranky, and I want to change that. Maybe I'll get him a tranquillizer or something," I commented, "Please, I desperately need to talk to him."

His eyes narrowed a tiny bit before saying, "You said something similar to that when you broke in the first time."

"To me, it's life or — well, life. I gotta figure myself out, and he's kinda part of it."

"Damn it," he mumbled quietly, "Alright, fine. I'll drop you to the 49th floor. If anyone asks, you snuck in."

"Thank you," I said as I clapped my hands in relief. "And if anyone asks, I'm Lindsay."

"Ren, you are a handful."

"I know. My brothers tell me that all the time." I flashed a wide grin, and he just shook his head.

Mark conversed with his work buddy before the two of us made our way towards the elevator. I heard something about a lunch or smoke break — I wasn't the best with listening in on conversations. However, when my name is said, my ears perk up like a bunny listening for any nearby danger.

My heart pounded as we stepped into the confined space, a few others joining along. I wasn't sure what was better for me at the moment, counting or thinking about the possibility of a disaster headed my way.

There was a hint of confidence that sparked within me, and I just hoped that it would fuel with heat in the few upcoming minutes.

I hadn't seen Harry in a week, and that already had affected the way my mind was working.

"Ren?" Mark's voice interrupted me. "We're here."

"Oh," I said, blinking twice as I looked up at the screen to see that confirmation. I nodded to him, sending a smile as a 'thank you' before I stepped off the elevator — or 'the lift,' as Harry says.

Avoiding being seen by anyone, I quickly made my way to the stairs and climbed up one floor.

As soon as I was standing on the landing, my eyes remained locked on the closed door. Slowly, I pushed my ultimate fear of another rejection to the back of my mind, took a deep breath to collect myself. Pulling on on the steel handle, I opened the door.

Iris became in view as she sat behind her desk, glancing at her computer screen with the work phone stuffed between her ear and shoulder. The second ended the call was when I began to walk towards her.

Unlike the many times I saw her, a smile was quickly replaced with a frown.

If I didn't know any better, I'd be offended.

Damn that Harry. He's always messing with my mind and feelings. He had no right to do that — it's quite rude if I'm honest.

I mean, he probably doesn't even know what I'm going through. All the late-night thoughts I have about him. All the daydreams of moments that I wished we could actually have together. All the hopes I have of us being together.

If only it could be real.

"Serenity?" Iris looked up at me with wide eyes.

She was definitely surprised to see me here.

"Hey, Iris."

"What are you doing here? I won't even bother asking how'd you manage to get up here."

"I might've bribed a couple people." My shoulders lifted in a shrug. "And I have to talk to Harry. It's urgent.

"Ren, I'm sorry, but I can't let you in," Iris pushed, and it only made me frown.

"Please, Iris. I need to talk to him," I pleaded in desperation.

She sighed and ran the palms of her hands over her face. The way she let out a deep and frustrated sigh only added to the nerves I had. Something was definitely not right and it was so much more than Harry just transferring my file.

He practically kicked me off his entire floor. He replied with just those few texts in complete professionalism. He also told Iris to refuse my entry in my office — somehow knowing I'd find a way to get up here.

And to top it off, when I saw Archie in the lobby, he wouldn't even make eye contact with me.

"I know you do, and if I were you, I'd do the same," her reply was mumbled behind her hands then removed them.

"Do you have any idea why he did that?" I asked, hesitantly, nervous to hear the reply.

"Not a clue. I asked him, but he threatened to fire me," she paused, letting out a deep sigh. "And I could tell he was serious this time."

"I don't understand." My words were a mere whisper as I spoke them to myself, shaking my head in frustration. "Anyway, I have something important to tell him. At this point, I don't care what his reason is, but this time I'm here for business."

"I guess we're back to square one." She sighed.

"What?" I raised a brow, but then I saw her grab a few files, and get up from her chair.

"I need to take these to accounting. Don't make me regret this," she whispered, nearing me, then walked away towards the elevators.

Those were the exact words she said when she gave me that chance way back when.

Letting out a deep breath, I confidently walked towards Mr Styles' office and knocked the familiar opulent frosted glass doors.

However, this time, he didn't say the usual "come in," his voice was loud as he yelled out, "I thought I said that I did not want to be disturbed!"

He was absolutely furious.

This ought to be fun.

Slowly, I turned the handle, and entered the room, closing the door behind me.

There was a sight that wasn't unusual to me — Harry, sitting behind his desk, working hard like he always did.

He was beautiful even when he looked like a train-wreck — which wasn't often, but he was today. What was usually pretty hair, it looked like an absolute mess. His tie was loosened entirely, thrown on the back of his chair. He had the sleeves of his shirt rolled up his arms — and it was partially wrinkled. I couldn't see his pants, but I had a feeling they were the same.

This time, he heard me walk in.

His eyes flickered up towards mine, a glare burning into my soul, attempting to frighten me, but I stood my ground.

"I would ask how you got in, but I assume it was Lindsay, and not you," he spat, recalling my second attempt to break into his office. I mean, he wasn't exactly wrong. "What are you doing here?"

Shutting the door behind me, as I made my way into the room, I stopped a couple steps in. I wasn't going to near him just yet.

"I need to talk to you."

"Someone's desperate," he sneered, and I raised a brow. "I have a shit ton of work to do, and you're distracting me."

"Am I? Eh?" I said with a sarcastic tone, "I thought that I was a part of your work? And FYI, it's determined. Get it right."

"I've mentioned it several times. Your —"

"My file was transferred to Miss Larson. Yeah, I get it. I heard it from Mark, Joelle's assistant, Joelle, Iris, and you with those lovely messages you replied with." I tapped my fingers against each other, as I listed the names off in a count. Then, I smirked. "Oh, and I forgot, there's also Keon."

"What?"

At this point, he was seething in ultimate fury.

And I loved every second of it.

"Oh, yes. He and I had a great chat the other day. He also mentioned something that was very important and valuable for me to know."

"The fuck did you two talk about?"

"That's for me to know and you to find out." I smirked, seeing his face crimson with anger. "You know, I thought you would've wished me some good luck or some sort, because of Riv's audition. He got in, you know. He said to pass on the news and to thank you since you got the studio space."

"I don't give a shit." His words came out with a scoff. It was wonderful how hard he was trying to hide his emotions.

"Really, eh?" I raised a brow. "I assumed you would've liked to know if I fell or something — or, y'know, if he dropped me again."

My eyes were now at the spectacular view of the city, but I could see his hands form in fists that were as tight as could be.

"What the fuck do you want, Serenity? If you're here to piss me off, it's not working. You said what you have to say, so —"

"Woah, who said that I did? That was just general conversation, Mr Styles. You also just made a mistake, by the way since I thought we were back on professional terms. Please call me Miss Hayes," I firmly demanded.

"Right then, Miss Hayes, what do you want?"

"The truth. About everything."

"That's for me to know and you to find out..." he trailed off, ending it with a smirk, then spoke two words that were direct and simple, "...or not."

And that immediately filled my veins with rage.

He calls me infuriating, but that was no comparison to what I was feeling — something that I'd never experienced before.

My hands fisted tightly, eyes were narrow, boiling in fury. Harry was just on the other side of his office, sitting on his desk chair like nothing was going on. It only provoked me even further. His focus went down, refusing to look me in the eyes, but I could see his heavy breaths from here.

I could just think of one thing: good.

Alright, Harry. If that's how you want it, then that's fine by me.

It was easy to tell that he thought his actions would just cause me to be angry with him and I'd walk out the door, leaving him with satisfaction, but that wasn't the case. I wasn't going to leave something that involved both of us — and no one else.

At that moment, he took it personal and wanted to keep it like that. He wanted to just kick me out the door without saying another word to me.

But there was another thing that Harry Styles, CEO of Urban Corp., forgot — a very important thing.

This wasn't personal. It was business.

And there was only one other thing that I could do to let out some of that steam.

"You're a fucking asshole. A pathetic and cowardly asshole," I seethed, and that got his direct attention as he put his entire focus on me.

Harry's eyes were narrowed and malicious as a true tiger hunting its prey.

"What did you call me?" His voice was dripping with rage.

"You heard me. You're a scared cat that's afraid of jumping up a high wall. You're surrounded by fire, but you don't even want to try and save yourself."

"What the fuck are you on about?" he spoke, infuriated, yet with confused eyes. He then shook his head to rid that perplexed emotion, and the fierce anger returned. "I don't need your pathetic analogies, Miss Hayes. So, I'd rather you leave. And please, don't let the door hit you on your way out."

His words were hurtful, but I knew that he didn't mean a single word that came out of his mouth. He wasn't trying to hurt me, but only cause pain for himself.

Because of that, I only smirked, which even from a distance, I could see that it aggravated him further.

Slowly, I made my way towards him, grazing my finger across the file cabinet, the wall, and across his desk. He watched my every movement, trying to figure out what I was doing — and I knew that he was absolutely clueless.

I stopped once I reached the telephone situated on the corner of the