Mysterious CEO's Last Surrogate novel Chapter 10

Relief wiped over Paul. He was in high spirits and waited for his best friend. He had spoken to him on the phone for a long time but it's been over two years since he saw Loney face to face. Nonetheless, hours passed and Loney had not arrived. Paul's eyes were heavy, as sleep stole him. All was quiet in the mansion with almost everyone asleep. There were just a few guards around. 

Loney left the field exhausted after supervising the repairs of some of his machines which had been attacked by Ray's spies. He intended to deal with Ray instantly but due to the threat he received from Danica through Paul, he decided to go over to the mansion. His only need at the moment was a child to inherit all he had toiled for. If that didn't happen, then everything goes to charity. However, when he recalled the first time he saw Daniella in college, his mind instantly went into a confused mode. Daniella was beautiful and bubbly. The guys loved her and Loney was obsessed with her yet he couldn't approach her.  

He was already working part-time and schooling. Therefore, he always appeared miserable and poor since he couldn't afford expensive clothes. Even though he was strong, his appearance was rather unappealing. However, after two years in college, he couldn't hold it in any longer and seized the opportunity when he met Daniella at the beach.

Flashback

It was a sunny summer day and Daniella was sunbathing at the beach. Loney bumped into her accidentally. 

"I'm sorry, I wasn't watching where I was going."

Daniella pulled herself away from Loney and forced a smile. She was wearing a white bikini with sunglasses that gave her an alluring look. "It's fine, don't worry about it. I was just leaving and I wasn't watching too."

Loney was lost for words. It was the first time he had the opportunity to speak with Daniella and he didn't want to let it pass. He was wearing white shorts and loose white shirts with the front buttons open. One might have thought they planned to wear white. "But I'm still sorry."

Daniella was getting upset and her tone was getting harsh. "You already apologized and I said don't worry."

Loney wasn't angered but rather looked on in admiration, "Can I speak to you for a moment?"

"About what? Daniella took off her sunglasses, instantly recognizing Loney. Suddenly, she felt disgusted talking to him. "You look familiar."

Loney was excited that Daniella acknowledged him. "Yes, we attend the same college. It's me, Loney Hubert."

A frown crept on Daniella's face, after having the conviction that he was the one. She slowly wore her sunglasses and turned to leave. "Oh, that guy who always wears the same shirt. I remember. Goodbye."

"Daniella!" Loney called her back.

"What?" She turned around with a disgusted look, hidden under her sunglasses.

"I want to speak with you. I mean, I always sort the chance but never succeed because there are always so many guys around you," Loney confessed.

"It's not unusual for a pretty girl to have many guys around her right?" Daniella sounded prideful.

"Yes, but you are very beautiful," Loney confirmed.

Daniella was upset. She liked the rich guys and only associated with the likes of them. Talking to Loney felt like losing her image and she didn't like it. Therefore, her words were prideful and harsh. "I know that already."

Loney didn't care about her attitude. Being able to speak to her, gave him satisfaction."Can we have a drink together later in the day or maybe tomorrow?" 

Daniella couldn't take it anymore. She felt disgusted talking to him and yet, he wanted to take her out. She wanted to hide from the embarrassment. "Are you in your right mind? Like are you seriously asking me out on a date? That is an insult. You should get someone at your level. Your appearance and everything about you is just disturbing and trust me, your presence is so irritating."

Daniella walked away after uttering those words, not knowing that Loney was never able to get out of the web of those words. They covered him and kept ringing in his head, anytime he saw her in college. Therefore he dropped out of school.

End of flashback.

Loney sauntered to his room to take a shower and put on his pajamas. As soon as he stepped out of his door, he met Mabel.

"What are you doing awake?" Loney said in a whisper.

"I felt movements so I came out to see."

Loney took a deep breath. "You can go back to sleep then." 

"I still have some food. Please make yourself comfortable in the dining room while I will warm it up for you," Mabel offered.