Galaxia's POV 

I arrived at the address and got out of my car. Looking up at the mansion before me, I took in the architecture. The mansion was fairly big and the exterior was contemporarily decorated. From the outside, you could see that the mansion was intricate. Other cars were also parked in the drive way, probably my brothers' and whosoever they had invited. I walked to the entrance and pressed the doorbell placed at the front door.

A woman with brown eyes, caramel skin and shoulder length jet black hair and has a height that was almost the same as my mom, opened the door. I guess she must be Mrs Crowne.

"Good evening, Mrs Crowne".

She gasped in shock "Oh my gosh, Galaxia, is this you?". She asked while placing her hands on the sides of my face and examining me. I pulled my lips into a tight smile, trying to hide how uncomfortable I felt, being touched by someone other than my family and friends.

"Yes ma'am. It's me".

"You look so beautiful". She exclaimed as she pulled me into a hug.

"Thank you, Mrs Crowne". She pulled away and looked at me, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Oh darling, there's no need to be so formal. Just call me Kate".

"Ok Kate". She smiled in return.

"Oh, where are my manners? Please come in". I walked into their home and she called out,

"Kids, the person we've been waiting for is here". My brothers were the first to come out. They saw me and pulled me into their signature killer hug while exclaiming,

"Hi Gala! We've missed you so much".

I could hear my mom and Kate giggling. They pulled away and I took a deep breath and sent a glare their way. They gave me innocent, sheepish smiles as I walked past them to meet my mom.

"Hi mom". I said and hugged her.

"Hi honey, how are you?".

"I'm fine, mom. How was your trip?".

"It was great, honey. Thanks for allowing me use your private jet".

"It's fine, mom". We were interrupted by someone clearing their throat and I looked up to see a guy about 6ft 2inches tall looking at me. He had jet black hair and the same brown eyes as Kate.

Kate stepped forward and introduced,

"Galaxia, meet my son, Asher Crowne. Asher, meet Galaxia Arthur. And Galaxia, meet my lovely daughter, Ashley Crowne".

As she said this, a young girl came out from behind the guy. I looked at her and saw that she was the dumb kid that approached me in the restaurant, saying she wanted to be partners with me.

I looked intensely at her, causing her to squirm under my gaze. Such a coward, she had the effrontery to actually confront me and demand to be partners with me. Suddenly, the guy steps into my line of sight and speaks

"Nice to meet you, miss Arthur".

I replied him with a curt nod and looked away. The atmosphere became awkward and Kate cleared her throat and said

"How about we all move to the dining hall, uhn? Dinner's ready".

"Y-yeah, let's do j-just that". The kid stuttered. I looked back at her and she speed walked to the kitchen.

I looked up and saw Asher staring at me. Giving him my blank look, I head to where I presume is the dining hall.

My mom, Kate and Ashley served the dishes while I just scrolled through my phone and my brothers and Asher made random conversations.

Soon enough, they all started eating and everyone was catching up on old times, except me of course. I just kept stabbing the meals, with no intention to eat them at all. I was doubtful about eating anything given to me by these strangers and the fact that the only dish I recognised was the Pesto filled bread wasn't making things any better. It looked quite delicious but not enticing enough for me to eat. 

They started serving desserts and my mom whispered in my ear with her incredibly soft and caring voice.

"I know you couldn't eat well, honey, so I made this dessert for you. Be free to eat it, ok? I made it specially for you”.

I smiled at her and nodded my head. She knows about my insecurity. I don't eat food made by anyone else except my friends, my mom and myself. I couldn't eat the meal well because I wasn't sure who made it but since my mom specially made this dessert for me and it happened to be my favourite, Cookies 'n' cream parfait, I couldn't resist. The extremely creamy Bailey's whipped cream layered with chocolate and crumbled Oreos was just so delectable.

After dinner, they continued their conversations and Kate started,

"Galaxia has become very beautiful and successful. I see her all the time on television and her fashion brand name is being mentioned everywhere".

I faked a smile in return and replied

"Thank you, Kate".

"You're welcome, honey. You know, Ashley is a huge fan of yours. She follows up every story, news, fashion release, basically everything about you. One time, she told me she would become partners with you, I wonder why she has not attempted to go see you all this while".

I looked over at Ashley and saw her nervously playing with her fingers. Looks like she didn't tell her mom about her visit to London and her failed dream.

"Really?" I said teasingly as though our encounter never happened.

"Yes. She's actually a fashion blogger. She helps fashion agencies to advertise their products. She's not very popular but she has worked for quite a number of agencies".

"Interesting". I said and went back to scrolling through my phone, successfully dismissing the topic as I wasn't one to encourage in such talks, they were just a waste of time. The others continued talking and Ashley excused herself.

After a while, I asked,

"Where's the bathroom?"

"Go upstairs and walk down the hallway, the guest bathroom is the third door to your right". Kate answered.

"Thanks."

"You're welcome, honey."

I stood up and made my way there. When I finished, I washed my hands and sanitized them. I came out of the bathroom and saw Ashley coming out of what I think was her room. She noticed me and started fidgeting. She was about to turn around and walk away when I said,

"Isn't this crybaby 'I wanna be partners with you'? It's a small world, isn't it? Who knew that crybaby is actually my family friend, but you're not friends with me, are you?".

I moved closer to her and reiterated as she had no courage to respond, "Are you?".

"N-n-no".

"Looks like you didn't tell your mom about your failed dream of being partners with me. You, this...thing, actually think I'd be partners with you. It's like a fairytale story".

I looked down at her and tears were already flowing from her eyes, down her cheeks.

"Get this into your head. You are nothing and would never amount to anything compared to me, so stick to your voidance and you're good to go."

I said emotionlessly and a voice sounded through the hallway.

"What's going on here?".

I looked up, behind Ashley and saw Asher approaching. I took one last look at Ashley and started walking back to the living room when he grabbed my arm. I turned around and forcefully pried his fingers off my arm, saying,

"Don't you touch me."

"What were you saying to my sister?" I in return, made no move to answer him.

"Answer me."

"A-ash, it's fine. Let's just g-go." Ashley butted in.

"No. People like her who think they can just walk all over someone just because they're wealthy, should be put in their place. I won't let her get away with insulting you".

"A-asher—”

"I was not insulting her, I was merely putting her in her place. You should ask your sister why?".

"She just wants to be partners with you, is it too much to ask? If you don't agree, just tell her gently. You're not supposed to speak to her like that."

"I'll speak to whoever I want to speak with however I want. No one, not even you, can change that. I simply made it clear to your sister."

I looked at Ashley square in the eyes and said "Does she think she can just wake up one morning and sign deals with a billionaire without expecting some kind of hurdle?".

"But—" I silenced him with the raise of my finger and continued,

"She approached me without seeking appointment. She approached me like she had something humongous to offer me. She approached me without my consent. She came to me and demanded to be partners with me like she was something important or worthwhile. 

Now you tell me if some inconsequential, measly little thing confronts you without any sort of appointment, and asks to be partners with you, how would you react?”. 

He couldn't reply and I continued in annoyance and irritation.

“Just like I thought, you also know that what she did was an act of sheer stupidity. She can't expect to have anything she didn't work for, to be at her disposal just by her instant command. I will NEVER be partners with her”. I declare strongly and move closer to him.

“What are YOU gonna do about it?"

I stepped even closer to him and matched his glare with my own. I looked straight into his eyes with equal hatred, maybe even more than his. I was damn pissed off by his attitude. He didn't analyse the situation well before coming to a conclusion and he calls himself a businessman. What a disgrace!

"B-brother, it's—"

I immediately turned on my heel and walked away with clenched fists at my sides. I needed to get out of here soon or else I might do something I would regret for the rest of my life.

I took deep breaths before walking into the living room. I began walking to where everyone sat, talking and getting to know each other more. The television was on but no one paid attention to it as they all chatted away. Soon, as though my mom had noticed our disappearance for a while now, she asked,

“What is taking them so long? We sent Asher to check them out, now he isn't back yet."

“Who knows? They might be getting to know each other better. They'll be here soon, I'm sure. We could give them some space to themselves," Kate answered.

My mom and brothers exchanged unsure expressions. They knew better than to believe Kate's assumptions. I wasn't one to socialise or even friendly enough to talk to someone else. 

“How about I check up on them to be sure. We can't be too certain,” My mom said as she stood up and was about to walk out when she saw me walking in. Her eyebrows shot up to her forehead as though asking if everything was alright. I gave her a gentle smile before moving closer to her.

"I'm leaving. It's getting late," the rest of them turned their attention to me and stood up as my mom said,

"Awwn honey, can't you stay a bit longer? It's just past 9p.m."

I shook my head in disagreement. 

"No mom, I can't. I have to be at work tomorrow,," I lied smoothly. I couldn't afford to spend even an hour longer here. I was too aggravated by the idiot and the pipsqueak's earlier behaviours. 

"On a Sunday?"

"Hmm mmm," I hummed in response and kisses her cheeks. I turned to my brothers and they all hugged me, squeezing me into their signature killer hugs.

"Don't worry guys, we'll spend some time together later, ok?". I whispered into their ears.

"Ok," They replied. I turned to Kate and said,

"Thanks for the dinner, Kate."

"It's okay, honey. We hope to see you again," she said and hugged me. I gave a tight smile in reply before heading towards the door as they all followed me.

"Honey, I'll stay here with Kate for a while. We want to spend some time together," My mom said.

"Ok mom. Whenever you're ready to leave, just call me and I'll get the jet ready," she nodded in reply.

My brothers hugged me one more time and shouted as I walked to my car parked in the driveway.

"We love you, Gala!" I shook my head and rolled my eyes playfully at their playfulness before looking back and waving to them. I saw that Asher and Ashley had arrived at the door as well and I sent them a last glare before I got into my car and drove away.

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

Xavier's POV 

Ryan and I were currently at one of my clubs. We spent the whole day together. First, we went to get a massage, then we went to the beach before coming here.

Ryan had seized my phone earlier, preventing me from talking to anyone. As I had nothing to do, my mind drifted to what happened at my family dinner and I gulped down my drink.

Multiple girls had lunged themselves at me ever since I walked in here. It was a rare occasion to see the Xavier King in a club, even though the club was one of my own. They had been too excited and had seen a once in a lifetime opportunity they couldn't miss, well that is according to Ryan. But being too engrossed and bothered by the acts of hatred of my own father towards me, I had rejected each and every one of them that had approached.

Also, the fact that I was wasting too much valuable time here in a club when I could be signing very important deals kept biting at the back of my mind. That feeling was driving me crazy.

I felt someone place their arm over my shoulder. I looked to the side and saw that it was Ryan. I raised an eyebrow at him in question.

“I've been calling you for a while now, yet you haven't been responding."

“Hmm really? Sorry, I didn't hear you."

"Problem with your dad again?"

I looked away, filled up my cup and gulped it down again before answering,

"Says he doesn't want to ever see me again," I laughed humourlessly.

Ryan looked at me with concern filled eyes.

"Xavier—"

"No, don't. I don't wanna talk about it."

He sighed and nodded before replying,

"Ok, but I'm here for you whenever you want to talk, ok?" He gave me a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder.

I looked at him, nodded and smiled. Ryan is a very good friend. He has been there for me since before the incident and he always tries to make me feel better.

I looked at my wristwatch and saw that it was almost 9p.m. Finally it was time for me to leave, I'd suffered enough. I nudged Ryan and he looked at me.

"Dude, I gotta go. It's getting late."

"What? But we just got here."

"I'm sorry, dude but I really have to go."

"So you're gonna leave me here, alone?"

I smirked and said "I have a feeling you won't be alone for long. See?" I nodded towards a group of girls looking at us and giggling. They had been eyeing Ryan and I since we entered the club, together with other females.

Ryan looked over at them, then back at me. "Yeah the more reason you shouldn't leave yet. They'll want to spend time with the both of us."

"Nah dude, you know I don't do that."

"Ugh," he groaned in annoyance.

"Sorry, man," I said and got up. I carried my glass of wine and clinked it against Ryan's before gulping down the contents. We did our usual bro handshake and hugs.

"You're gonna make up for this. Now I gotta have fun on my own."

I rolled my eyes and said, "Whatever, now hand me my cellphone back."

He glared at me as he dug his hand into his pocket and brought out my phone, harshly shoving into my hands. I snickered at his childish behaviours. 

“Bye and have fun, Ry."

"Bye. Love ya!" He shouted at the top of his voice as I made my way to the exit. He has crazy mood swings like a pregnant woman's.

"Love you too!" I shouted back with a smirk as I waited for him to realise what he had done.

"Shit!" I heard him shout as I walked out of the club, leaving the loud music and strong smell of alcohol behind. My clubs in this part of New York were built with the rich and wealthy in mind and my clients were mostly comported, so it was a rare occasion before you'd see people grinding on each other or overly sweaty teenagers with no ounce of dignity. 

He just shouted ‘Love ya!’ to me. Ryan and I have weird ways of greeting each other, sometimes people might think of us as gay. So he must have realised that the girls will now think that he's gay, thereby ruining his fun for tonight. 

I laughed as I got into my car and started driving out of the parking lot.

While driving, I was thinking of how to complete the work I had missed today all because of Ryan, so I took my cellphone and dialled Tyson's number.

“Good day sir."

“How are you, Tyson?”

“I'm fine, thank you sir and you?”

“I'm okay, Ty. Thank you."

“How was your day with Mr Steele?”

“Ugh, you had to remind me, didn't you?” He chuckled softly. “Well my day went well. Other than the usual dragging and threats to embarrass me if I don't agree to his terms, I actually enjoyed myself."

“That's good to hear, sir. So you called?”

“Yes. Were there any clients today or any meeting of any sort of thing of importance? My phone was expropriated by Ryan so I couldn't call."

“No sir, there wasn't anyone that requested your presence today. And in accordance to Mr Steele's request, all meetings were adjourned to when you'd be available."

“Ok that's good. I want all files that need my signature or attention should be sent to my email tonight. I'm on my way home, so I'll take care of everything and do the needful."

“Ok sir, I will send all documents to you now."

“Thank you very much, Tyson."

“You're welcome sir."

“My regards to Martha and Tim, ok?”

“Ok sir, goodbye sir and have a nice night."

“And you too, Ty. Goodnight," I concluded and hung up.

I was placing my phone back to where I had taken it when suddenly I hit something or someone and my car jerked to a halt.

"Shit," I mumbled to myself.

What did I just do?