DISCLAIMER: All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Caroline's POV (Caroline's pic)

"..... .. this, this, this one and this. Oh yeah! Even the royal blue, red and purple dress I already showed you." I said pointedly at the saleslady.

Your right. Yes! Iam shopping at 11 in the morning. Sooo fun! Well that's the only fun thing I can do when you have a degree but you have such sweet parents who don't want to see you working.

Just then, I saw my cell vibrating. 'Mom? Why would she call me now?' I thought. Anyways I picked her call.
"Hey Mom, why you-" I wasn't able to complete my sentence as I heard Mom's worried voice "Carol come to the hospital soon. Now!"

"What?! Why?! Mom what's going on? What happened?" I asked.

"Just get here to the hospital. I don't have time to explain things to you!" She almost screamed at me and cut the call.

Okaaay.... That was something!
After I reached the hospital I called mom and she told me to come to the second floor. When I saw mom, I had never seen her soo stressed. I also saw my dad's lawyer standing there holding my younger brother, Dylan.

Dread filled me. "Mom, where's dad?" I asked.

She started trembling and burst into tears and fell to the floor before I could catch her. She then pointed out towards the door infront of us.

I stood up to reach the door. And what I saw inside was what I feared the most. I saw my father lieing lifeless on the hospital bed.

I went near him and sat on the bed. I tried to shake his shoulders. But he wouldn't wake up.
I didn't know what to do....

************************************
1 week later

It was my father's funeral today. Now I was trying to get my mom to sleep.
Somehow after 2 hours I gave her sleeping pills and tucked her into bed.

Just as I was going to my room I heard a sob coming from Dylan's room. There I saw Dylan crying his eyes out, I went and hugged him trying to console him.

The question he asked next got me thinking. "What happens now?"

I don't know when but he was already asleep. So I switched off the lights and closed his door.

In my room, I sat infront of the mirror looking at myself. I felt something warm fall on my hands. That's when I realised I was crying. I didn't cry when I saw my father in the hospital that day. Not even during his funeral.

But I wanted to be strong for my family. Mamma is already in the worst state she could ever be in. And Dylan is too young to be having such experiences in his life. Too young to loose his father. Its on me to take care of them now. But what's haunting me was Dylan's question. 'What happens now?'

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Another few weeks later

I was sitting in the lawyer's office. He informed me that the person who was responsible for the accident was drunk and has managed to escape out of the country. But I already have lost my father. Would I get him back if that dunkard is found. I was totally uninterested about that. Even Mamma said the same.

Then he read out the will for me. Dad had written all his property and everything in the name of Mamma and me. And for Dylan but only after he turns 18.

Same day, in the evening I was sitting in a cafe thinking about what I can and how I will take care of mom and Dylan. I might have a degree in Business but I never worked, not even a simple job. How will I run a company all by myself?!

I called Katie and asked her to meet me at the cafe. She was my best friend since childhood. I needed help, advice. Well I needed Katie now!

She was here within 15 minutes. She promised to help me with the company. But you know what?! She is worse than me! How was I going to manage.

Just then I saw a handsome hunk walking into the cafe. So tall, maybe about 6 feet I guessed. His grey eyes which had a bluish glint which made me fall deep into them. I think he was British or maybe even American? I don't know..... I smiled. I smiled after weeks because of him.

'Oh my God! What am I even thinking'
Just then I loooked at Katie who was giving me the knowing look! I just shrugged. Then she suddenly started squealing looking at something. When I looked at what made her squeal, it was the same guy I was staring at who was now looking at me with a smirk as he left the cafe!!

I dropped Katie at her home and left to reach mine.
When I stepped into the house I mean more like a mansion I was shocked! It was completely clean. I mean who did it?

Then I saw Mamma walking out of the kitchen with a smile.
'Have I come to the wrong house or am I dreaming....?' I thought to myself.

Mom came near me and sat me down on the sofa "Carol dear, I know its been many weeks since everything happened and I am soo sorry I forgot about you and Dylan in my own sorrow." She looked down seeming sad.

"Its ok mamma, its been only 2 weeks. You know am a big girl now. Whenever dad used to go out for business, he'd make me promise to take care of you and Dylan. And now it's me who'll have to take care of you both. You don't worry Ma. I'll make it alright. Dad would always want us to be happy and that's what we'll do now ok!?" I said and we hugged each other crying our hearts out.

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

It has now been a month and a half since Dad's death and I have finally found the courage to walk into his office. Till now it was Uncle Anthony, dad's brother who was managing the company. He is almost 50 and still unmarried and a sweetheart. He usually stayed at our house almost all the time. He let me take my time to take over the company.

I stood there looking around until Uncle Anthony entered the cabin.
"Hey uncle, how are you?"

"Am absolutely fine baby girl. But I really need to speak to you about a few things related to the company."

I was confused, "But I hardly know anything about this company. Oh you want to teach me things?! Yes please! I'm ready. The sooner we start, the better" I said smiling.
But a worried look crossed his face. Now I was really really confused. 'Was it something I said?' I thought.

"Baby girl, there's a serious problem and I don't think it's good to hide it from you."

"I think whatever it is I can handle just fine. I've already lost my father. What more worse can it be?"

"Okay. Baby girl.... Roger had taken a lot of loan for a project. But now that he is not there all the shareholders have backed off thinking it's not a good idea to put their money into the project. We tried convincing them but they won't agree. And now..... n-now.."

"And now?" I urged him to tell me.

"Now we m-might have t-to be f-facing bankruptcy" He said and continued "we are going to be losing everything baby girl, even the house!"

That's it! And I fell into the chair behind me.

************************************
"Carol... please open the door" Katie started banging again.

"I don't want to speak to anyone. Go away" I said.

"Carol c'mon. Its been 3 days and you've locked yourself up. And I spoke to your mom just now. She thinks that you go to the office every day and you're here in my house because it's near to your office?! I mean seriously?! Your mom could have bought it but not me! Open the door now Caroline and tell me what happened!" Katie screamed through the door.

"Ok ok. I'll open." I said and went to open the door and came back to sit on the bed.

Katie folded her arms and stood in front of me and said "Explain!"

So I told her everything Uncle Anthony said about the company. With every word I spoke her eyes widened even more.

"Oh my god! Oh my god! What to do now." She panicked trying to take deep breaths

"Oh god! Will you just sit and calm down?! Even I did'nt freak out as much as you" I said.

"Oh really? Then who was it that locked herself up for 3 days, only coming out for food! I know that it was definitely not me" She said in an angry tone.

"Ok ok fine. Now tell me what to do" I pleaded.

"First thing, you better go tell your mom yourself before she gets to know by someone else and gets a heart attack" she said.

"Yeah! Your right. I'm leaving. I'll call you later at night and tell you what happens?" I said.

"Yeah better" We said our goodbyes and I soon went to my house straight to mamma's room.

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IMPORTANT MESSAGE

Hey Guys!
Congratulations to all of us cause I got a private message saying that this story has been selected out of thousands of entries for the YOUR STORY INDIA contest Longlist of stories!

This was my first story but I didn't know that we could make it till here. I'm not sure if I will be a winner or not.
But, THANK YOU!!

Daniel's POV (Daniel's pic)

"Hey dad! How are you?" I asked my dad as I entered their house.

"Well I'm good son. A lot better now that my son has finally decided to show up here after months. Anyways where have you been all these days huh?" He replied.

"Oh nothing, I was just caught up with work" I lied. You think I'd tell him about the holiday with my friends with lots of one night stands? Nah!

"Oh sweetheart you work too much. You know you need to take care of yourself. Or much better! Why don't you get married?" Mom said excitedly as she entered the living room.

"Mom please! Not again! And how is taking care of myself related anywhere near to my marriage?!" I asked.

"Yes Darcy, leave the boy alone. He just arrived. Otherwise he wouldn't dare to visit again. And I'm sure you wouldn't want that. Right darling." He said to mom.

Mom scowled at dad and replied "Mr.William Rochester I think it is also your responsibility to bring your playboy son back to his track and not to encourage him with his ways."

Well looking at mom's anger level she'll be giving the silent treatment to dad atleast for 2 weeks. And he'll be begging for her to forgiveness. I chuckled to myself thinking about their "Love" for each other.

I don't believe in love! I mean how can a person stick to one women! I've never experienced love nor do I have any such wish to.

Love makes you weak. It destroys you with hurt. I've had the same opinion about love since ever.

"Dan!! Get in here! Lunch is ready." Mom's voice brought me out of my thoughts.

After having lunch with my parents I left to meet with my friends Nicholas Perkins and Alexander Rodriguez who is also my cousin.
We've been together since the day I was born. Well Nick and Alex met in nursery and that's how I met him too. We clicked as soon as we saw each other.

I met up with them at Nick's house. We left to the cafe from there. And since both the idiots didn't'nt want to get out of the car I decided to get inside the cafe.

I felt as if someone was watching me. From the corner of my eyes I saw a girl practically drooling at me. That was common for me. But there's
something in that girl. I don't know what but I decided to ignore it.

I got to the counter, bought everything we wanted. While leaving I tried to sneak a glance at the girl once again.. her green eyes hiding something behind them, and her brownish blonde hair was shining under the sun. Such a beauty I thought.

But my idea of sneaking was being spoilt and caught by her friend infront of her who was already squealing! I smiled to myself shaking my head and headed towards the car.

"What's got you smiling like a fool?" Nick asked.

"Nothing! The girl in the cafe was-" I was going to say but soon cut off by Nick's scream.

"-the fuck man! Have you lost your mind! Was'nt it our rule not to fall in that bloody love. Its not our thing and-" This time I cut him off.

"Will you just shut it Nick?! I wanted to say that the girl in the cafe was openly oggling at me not that I fell in love with her. You dumbass!" I shoved the espresso into his hand.

"Ok ok now guys. It's fine lets leave already."

Alex was the most mature one amongst all three of us. Any issue, any fight! We go to him! It's as though he is the solution book.

These are the people who complete my life.

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Next day

"Guys! Wake up wake up!!" I heard Nick's voice. I groaned and turned my head the other side.

"Just fu*k off Nick" I screamed at him.

"Oh just wake up man! We'll have to take care of our companies from the coming week monday. We hardly have what? Three days?" Nick annoying voice shouted into my ear.

I shoved him to the side and woke up.
We hardly slept yesterday night as we were busy drinking. For us, fun is nothing but party, alcohol and girls.

I went to the breakfast table. Mrs.Taylor had prepared pancakes, bacons and eggs with coffee. After having breakfast I went up to get ready.

Yes! That's Nick's house. But we all almost live together. We do have our own separate penthouse. But when we feel like it we go to each other's house or if we find any free time from work!

Anyways on Sunday, we are planning to go out for a club. Looking forward to it. I have a good feeling about it.
We'll have a nice night!! Maybe that's why I love this bachelor life.

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

That was the introduction to Caroline and Daniel's life, about how they are and the important people in their life and their family.

The real story starts here!!
You know what's going on in their life. Now you'll know how they'll meet!
And the story continues........

Caroline's House- Inside and Out--->

Caroline's POV

I just came back from Kate's house. It's Thursday morning. Thought I'd be ready to handle dad's company from Monday. Well.. here I am. It's Thursday already and I've reached nowhere.

"MOM.." I called for her.

"I'm upstairs sweetie.. in your room" she replied.

I got a nice look of my house while going up the stairs. You never know, it maybe the last time I might see this house.

When I reached the room, mom was cleaning! Weird! I don't know mom has got a bonding towards cleaning these days.

I can't hide it anymore from her. I have to say this out loud. I went near her sat her down on my bed and told her everything uncle Anthony had told me and that I was at Kate's home since 3days.

When I looked up at her face, she held no expression.

Finally she stood up, it was as though she was in deep thought.

"Mom, are you fine? I'll get you some water?" I asked.

"No no I'm fine. How much have we lost? I mean what are we left with?" She asked.

"Ummhhh.... aaahh... actually we are left w-with n-no.... nothing. Not even this house Mom" I finally said it out loud and turned my back towards her.

I heard a loud thud. I turned back to see that mom had collapsed on the floor. I called out for her. I shook her. But she did'nt wake up. I sprinkled water on her face, but nothing happened. She did'nt even move a finger.

'Oh my god! Not again! I've already lost my father, I can't loose my mother too' I thought.

I felt like crying. I was almost on the verge of crying when I went near her, put my finger below her nose. Thank god she is breathing. I calmed down a bit but I still need to know that she is fine!

I called Kate to help me take mom to the hospital. Dylan was at school.

We reached the hospital and the doctor checked her. I was completely freaked until he said "She is fine, just that her BP level is too low and a lot of mental stress led her to faint. See to it that she doesn't undergo any kind of stress. I think she should be conscious by now. She'll wake up anytime now. There's no need to worry."

I sighed out of relief. By afternoon, I sent Kate to bring Dylan back home.
I called uncle Anthony but he didn't pick up the call. I don't know what's wrong he never ignores our call.

Mom had woken up and the doctor gave the green signal to go home and he said that everything was fine and that there's nothing to worry about. Well I had no money, Kate paid the hospital bill. And I'm sooo thankful to her for that.

Mom stayed silent throughout our journey to home. She went upto her room as soon as we reached home.

I was sitting in the living room when Dylan brought a letter to me. That was already opened so Dylan might have read it.

When I saw that I did'nt feel any kind of emotion because I had expected this.

It was our notice to leave the house by Thursday. So we have one more week. I sighed.

I forgot that Dylan was standing infront of me. I pulled him to me and hugged him tight.

"It's ok Dylan. Everything will be fine." I said to him.

That was until Kate shook me and said that mom was calling out for me.

I went up to her room with Kate following behind.

Mom saw me and patted on the bed next to her. I sat there facing her. Kate stood behind me holding my shoulder.

"Tell me what are we going to do now Carol?" She asked.

Well I was not ready for that topic. But I know that I have to be within one week. So I said "Mom I think you should rest, you're not ready for this"

"Does'nt matter. We'll have to be. Last time I was shocked but now I think I'll be just fine. I think you should find a job honey. And with your degree I think you'll be able get a better one. I think even I should work. What do you think?" Said mom.

I don't want Mamma to work. And obviously not in the condition she is in right now. I looked back at Kate and started "Mom...-" before Kate cut me off.

"Sophia you don't have to worry or work" she smiled and continued.
"I don't think Carol told you the entire story. She got a job as you told because of her awesome degree. And you know the company she'll be working for is going to provide an apartment and a car" Kate said to mom.

'O.. M.. G..' I was shocked beyond belief.

Mom got up into a sitting position out of excitement and asked "Really Carol...?"

And before I could say anything Kate pushed me towards Mom so that I could hug her. As she knows I'm not good at lieing. When I looked up at Kate with disbelief she gave me a look that said 'shut up and keep your lips zipped'. So I did exactly that.

'Oh God! Now how am I going to handle this lie?'

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

Next day, me and Kate started to look for jobs in the newspaper.

So I have an interview in the evening. And three tomorrow. I hope I get selected.

Well now I really have only one week to find a job, apartment and about the car...... I think I'll tell mom that it will be given later after experience or promotion.
'Oh Kate! Why the fu*k did you lie?' I thought.

Kate's explanation about lieing to mom was that, that the doctor said mom should'nt be stressing about anything.

Well that is also right. I just hope this lie really becomes a truth and I get a real job! I hope! Fingers crossed!

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

On "SUNDAY"

Kate was trying to convince me to go to club with her since I did'nt have any interview today, but with all the problems I have I was in no mood!

Just then mom entered the room "What are you girls doing today?" she asked.

"We are going to the club" Kate said enthusiastically.

"NOO" I denied.

"Why not? I think you should go." Mom said.

Mom was the cool parents you know. It was always dad who used to restrict us. So now I think I should go.

By the time me and Kate got ready it was already 7:30pm. And mom said I can sleepover at Kate's house as its near to that club Kate is taking me to.

That was just a reason, because we decided on to getting drunk tonight. Obviously I can't show my drunken ass to mom. That's why the idea of Kate's house.

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

Daniel's POV

Me, Nick and Alex were at the club at 8. It was awesome. Girls, alcohol sounds so fun. That's all I need before I start work tomorrow.

Just then Nick pointed out at the girl entering the club. I felt as though I already know her or I've seen her somewhere.
That's when it hit me that it's the same girl who I saw at the cafe.

I winked at Nick and left to have her tonight. You know what I mean ;-)
I frowned when I saw him following me. I thought that he was taking my girl but he reached her friend. I sighed.

"Hi ladies" we said at the same time.

They said a silent 'hi'. When the green eyed girl looked at me, her eyes held an expression that were finding something or trying to recognise something. Well maybe even she is trying to figure out where she has seen me before. I smirked. Seeing her eyes go wide and mouth forming an 'ooh' I got to know that she recognised.
'Obviously who would forget a pretty handsome face such as mine' I thought.

We took the girls for a light chat and drinks and then.... you know what I mean!

It's going to be a satiable night for me. This girl spoiled my sleep for days. She's mine for tonight!

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

Daniel's House From Inside--->

Daniel's POV

"Come let's go home." I say

"NO!" She says with one hand on her hip and the other pointing out its finger at me as if daring me to take her home. It's been happening from the last 2 hours.

I say lets go home and she replies with a NO.
I've learnt that her name is Caroline.

"....iel! Daniel!" Her voice brings me back from my thoughts.

"Yes?" I ask.

"I wanna dance....."she slurred.

"I don't think we're going to dance. Or I don't think you'll be able to even stand. So that's a no no!" I say.

"Stop acting like as if your my dad! I've come here to forget that. Even he never allowed me to parties or clubs or to drink with stangers...." she rambled and stopped with sad eyes.

I raised my eyebrow as to what she meant. She came near me showing her sad eyes. Her green eyes!
Oh I can't handle girls crying or being sad.
She then sat on my lap and hugged me. That's when she told me her entire story. Her dad's death, company loss, loan, bankruptcy.

I did'nt know what to reply so I just held her. We were both silent for a moment, until she looked up at me and said "I want another drink. Order me one more please"

"That's it Caroline! We'll leave." I said sternly.

"No! One last drink please please.. can't you even get a girl a drink?! If not I'll do that myself" she said and was about to get up but I held her tightly and ordered a small drink.

She smiled at me. Her pretty red lips... Looked soo juicy. I'd love to taste them.
Before I could kiss her the barman brought her drink.

She was so innocent, she did'nt even catch what I was going to do.
"I think we should take this home Caroline" I said still holding her.

"OMG" she gasped.

"What? What happened?" I asked fastly and taking a look around to see what made her gasp.

"You" she said.

"What" I asked again.

"You..... my name sounds soo sweet on your tongue..... as if your kissing" she said.

"What? You know your not making any sense right now! Lets go home" I said picking her up bridal style.

She didn't'nt say anything this time, but just kept on looking at my face and eyes. I acted as if I don't know what she is looking at.

I called my driver to get the car. As soon as we were inside the car Caroline jumped at me trying to sit on my lap straddling me.

Caroline's POV

His eyes.. OMG his eyes! They have something in them. That attraction or the pull. As I tried sitting on his lap, he held me in place.

We were just looking into each other's eyes until I felt his lips on mine. He kissed me! That was my first kiss.

His lips are soo soft and sweet. We hugged each other tightly scared to let go of each other. He tugged at my hair to get better access. He pulled back from me making me groan in annoyance and pushed a button next to him. That gave us better privacy so that the driver could'nt see us.

He pulled my head towards him making me jump in surprise. I could sense his smile in the kiss. But oh! He really smelled soo good. I should ask which cologne he uses.

He let go and soon pushed me back on the seat hovering over me. He pulled at the hem of my shirt without breaking the kiss. Still kissing me so passionately that I couldn't keep myself from moaning. He put his hand inside my shirt sending tingles reaching up and up and up. I could see he loved to see me squirming underneath him.

Before we could go any futher his driver knocked and informed that we had already reached his apartment.

He pulled back, sighed and looked into my eyes with so much desire, lust and......??

He pulled me back so that I could sit up and before I even step outside his car he carried me to the lift. You know what happens when your alone in a lift with someone like him inside, I was squealing inside. He gave me soft kisses. He pecked my lips I don't know how many times.

He makes me feel things I never felt. Even his pecks are sending sparks all over my body.
My hands were around his neck. He stopped as the lift doors opened.

He was entering the passcode to his apartment when I laid my head on his chest closing my eyes. One hand tugging his shirt at the back of his neck and my other hand next to my head on his chest.
I felt protected. I felt safe.

I felt something soft below me, I opened my eyes to see that he had laid me on his bed. He removed his shirt and came back to bed next to me. By this time I knew I was sober. Atleast I knew what I was doing.

This time I sat on him. But I did'nt know what to do, I am soooo inexperienced. First time in my life I regretted not doing 'it'.

He laughed and pushed me back on bed. We were soo fast. We did'nt recognise what was happening around us. By this time, we were both naked. He didn't stop his kisses though, he'd not even give me 2 seconds to breathe. He held both my hands tightly on either side of my head.

His mouth travelled down south pinching, tugging, kissing and biting my nipple. His other hand on my other breast. After giving equal and satisfactory pleasure and attention to them he next moved to my stomach kissing it.

He went down there.. kissed, fingered, loved and pleasured me. I never knew this feeling actually existed.

He reached for something in the side drawer. I might be inexperienced but I know atleast this that it was a condom. Till then I had'nt seen his size. Oh shit! How is it going to fit I thought.

He came back up, held me in place, hugging me and kissed me making me forget all my worries. That's when he pushed inside me breaking all my barriers I squeezed my eyes shut groaning in pain. But he moved eventually making me forget the pain that turned into pleasure, until I came before he released.

Our love making session went on the whole night. I went into a peaceful sleep hugging him.....

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