Which brother should I choose

Alice's POV

Why did it have to be like that all the time? Everytime I thought my life turned into a better way, it always ended up crashing me down harder. Yesterday, I was above the clouds after that excellent dinner with Matt and then that breathtaking kiss we shared. This morning, he didn't deign to call me then showed up at the least expected moment and caused a scene.

Still I could cope up with today since the time I spent with Antonio in the bazaar was fun and even though we had an awkward moment, I enjoyed it. But then Ronda had to show up. And had to make me know my place. Not that I was not aware of. I was a mere assistant. And she was right that I have never been to a place like this before. But being reminded that I will never be in the league of these people was hurtful and necessary in a way. I should have pulled myself together. I should have done it before Ronda made me. But not anymore. I wouldn't let anyone mess with my head again. I could pull up my walls again just like I did back in college.

I decided to remove all drama from my life. Matt and Anton. They were above my line and I needed to keep my distance, that would solve all the problems for me. Being just an assistant is easy and safe.

With all those thoughts in my head, I roamed around without knowing where I went. I didn't try to go to the beach or pool, since I was still wearing my dress, so I changed my route to a place that I have never gone before while I was staying here. The botanical gardens. I saw it on the map of the hotel when I first came here, but never had a chance to go there. So, this was the time to go.

I followed the narrow pathway leading the gardens and stepped in the most beautiful place I have ever seen. This was a piece of heaven dropped from the skies to earth. Just because to remind people heaven exists. The narrow pathway was circled with wisteria vines smelling unearthly. Inviting all people into the depths of the garden who dared to set foot this pathway. Drooping willows were laying down their branches to artificial lakes touching the mirror surfaces of the water delicately. All colors of the rainbow were spread on flower gardens like the rainbow itself exploded on it. The birds were chirping on the branches of golden shower trees, and long ash trees were shadowing them with their huge presence. Everything about this place was breezy and breathy. It was making me feel like I had broken my cage at last and was floating on the clouds like a free bird. I unconsciously went into the center of the park. There was a circle in the center paved with stones and three short decorational walls facing each other to create that circling feeling stronger. British ivy was clinging on the walls and was making it look like even walls belonged to nature.

I bent down in front of a wall, there was a small flowerbed in front of it, and I wanted to examine the flowers which I believe belonged to Hawaiian nature. Because I haven't seen such beauties before. I was rubbing my fingers on a silky petal of a flower when I heard someone clearing his throat behind me.

I turned back and looked up from the point I crouched. A man, tall and muscular, was standing there. First I thought it was Anton. But then I realized this man was blonde. His pale blue eyes were examining me with a weird interest from the point that he was standing.

I stood up and faced him, but still I had to look up to be able to look into his eyes. He was so tall.

"I see you are enjoying the nature of Hawaii Ms. Wonderland."

That was not a question. So I just politely smiled.

"Hello Mr. Sanders, how can I help you?"

"Hello, I was just checking if my guests are enjoying the facilities. So far, you are the only one admiring it I guess."

"What do you mean?" I asked before I could stop myself.

"Well, Matt Alonzo is drinking at the parlor, looking not so happy. Antonio Alonzo locked himself in his suite with his beautiful companion Ronda Meyers. Though I cannot blame him for it."

So he was aware of Ronda. This somehow touched a string in my heart but I forced myself not to show it to him.

"And you are the only one out here, making a good time out of it."

"Well I guess I am also the only one who has never been to a place like this. I believe they had enough opportunities to enjoy such picturesqueness before."

"Maybe..." he said. Then took a step towards me. I took a step back to keep our distance. Then he took another step. I had no place to go back so I had to stay where I was. Now I was tilting my chin higher to be able to look into his eyes. He extended his hand and took a strand of my hair and rubbed it between his thumb and index. I shook my head to cause him to drop it, but he didn't.

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"You know Ms. Wonderful... I always hated people who have too little appreciation for life when they have too many opportunities." He pulled the strand towards his lips, touching it lightly and smelled it closing his eyes. Then opened and directed his eyes to mine. His pale blue eyes were boring into mine, causing me pause.

"But you are not like that. If you could have enough opportunity, I believe you would appreciate it beyond me and my kind of people never would understand. My kind; who was born into wealth."

"I doubt that." I opposed. He came one more step towards me, now we were nearly chest to chest.

"I cannot see which point you are trying to reach?" I snapped.

"I am trying to say that I could give you all of that. I could make you a woman with money and power. And you didn't have to work for it."

I grimaced at those words. I understood what he was implying. And I had no interest in being a mistress of a rich man.

"First, Mr. Sanders, please step back, you are in my personal space." I said.

"Maybe I liked your personal space." he brought his face closer to me,

"Second, I have no intention of being a mistress, so please leave and I will count as this conversation has never happened."

"I don't think so..." he said and in a blink, he came at me. His large hand held my face and his lips crashed on me for a second before I knew what is happening,

'Bamm!'

I heard the sickening sound of meat crashing with bones. I saw Anton standing before me. He grabbed my wrist and pulled me behind him protectively. Now he was standing between me and Darly Sanders who was lying on the floor. I looked at Daryl Sanders and to my surprise he was smiling as wiping a thin trail of blood from the corner of his mouth.

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"I touched a nerve I guess❞ his smile grew wider.

"You touched what was not yours! If you lay a finger on her again, I will make sure those fingers are broken one by one by my hands."

"And who are you to her? Her boss? Her saver? Or... lover?" he said, smirking again. I didn't have to be told that it was bad for Anton Alonzo to be addressed with his assistant. I have waited for him to deny it. And waited for him to tell Daryl that he was a delusional scumbag. But he didn't.

"I am the one who will hand you your ass next time." He turned back, pulled me harshly behind him and we left the gardens immediately. We went into one of the main buildings and turned to a corridor which was abandoned and silent. As soon as I made sure we were not followed, I pulled my hand from his grasp. He looked at me surprised.

"Thank you Mr. Alonzo, I am okay now. But you didn't have to defend me. I could take care of myself."

"Was that defending yourself?" he glowered to me ferociously.

"If you would have let me, I could." I said glowering him back.

"Now this incident will cause nasty rumors for you. I don't want you to be in such a condition because of me!" I said.

"There won't be any rumors, don't worry. Daryl is a clever man to keep this to himself and not spend it on cheap rumors. And do not decide the conditions I should be in for me. I am aware enough and capable of deciding it for myself." he said in a harsh low tone. Nearly threatening me. I felt cold shivers run down on my spine. I fisted my hands and gritted my teeth.

"Why on earth, you are doing this! Why are you caring!" I yelled at him. I had enough emotional confusion for a week. I was at my limit and I couldn't keep it anymore.

He just looked at me, his glower didn't halt. Didn't give away what he was thinking. And suddenly, he grabbed my hair harshly, pushed me to the wall and crashed his lips on mine.