Vanessa heaved heavily after Jasper had been whisked out of Xavier's office. Xavier ran down his hair and he looked at Nessa when she sat down. Although he knew she was tired, he needed to ask questions about why she had accepted to go on a date with him. He would have asked her why she hadn't had a boyfriend yet but he decided not to overstep his boundaries with her. He knew the question in particular was out of line. Why ask it? He thought as he sat down on his designated chair. Vanessa was silent. She didn't say a word. All her attention was on the bruise he had beside his lips. She knew he got those bruises because of her. For some reason, she felt guilty and sad. How would he go to explain things to his kids? She thought and bit her lips almost drawing out blood. Xavier stared at her for a while. Their eyes met but Nessa looked away. He knew the fucker made her like this. He decided to clear his mind by asking her the question he had prepared. "Why did you agree to go on a date with him?" He asked waiting for an answer but he only got silence as an answer. He pondered on why she kept mute not answering his questions. A tear dropped on her cheek when she couldn't bring herself to accept that she was the reason why Jasper had hurt him. She knew she dragged him into this and she was ready to pay the price. She couldn't bring herself to answer his question. She thought that what kind of girl agrees to date because she is being bothered by the guy? To her, it was pathetic. Unbelievable! Xavier stood on his feet and went to meet her. He sat beside her and pat her shoulder when she saw her tears. He whispered to her not to worry about him. She was worried because she knew Jasper won't stop bothering her until she agreed to go on a date with him. He pestered her into accepting the date. In one swift motion, Nessa embraced him. She cried on his shoulder. Xavier was shocked because of her action. He was shocked that one of his employees hugged him. This had never happened before. He wasn't always soft with them. That was just him. Nevertheless, he returned the hug and sniffed the scent of her hair. He shut his eyes closed and inhaled it. He couldn't get enough of it. He couldn't stop wondering what kind of shampoo she used or maybe that was just her scent. It couldn't be, he speculated. For the first time, Nessa felt comfortable and protected. Like no harm would come to her if she is with him. She could hear his heart beating. Hers was beating so fast. She prayed and hoped that he won't hear. She was drowned in his scent. She was tempted to ruffle his hair with her fingers but she restrained herself. It wasn't easy but she could do it. When she realized what was happening, she was startled and pulled away from him. Standing on her feet, she shifted backward. "Oh! I am sorry sir. It won't happen again. Please don't fire me." She blurted without thinking. She conceded to what she had just said. Was she begging him to not fire her? She couldn't believe herself. She had another means of the lively hood but had to beg. Xavier raised his head. "It's nothing. But you still haven't answered my question. You knew it was dangerous but still, you accepted to go on a date with him. Who does that?" He scolded her. Nessa couldn't believe her boss was scolding her but she had accepted it. It was her mistake. She needed to face the consequences. She cleared her throat and opened her mouth to say something but nothing came out. The words that escaped her mouth came out as a whisper. She tried again and it worked. "I did because...because he was bothering me. Always on my neck for me to go with him and I thought I could shut him hoping he would leave me alone when I go with him." She explained fiddling with her fingers. Xavier lowered his eyes to see what she was doing. He smirked when he reasoned with what she had told him. "So you agreed because he was pestering you? Even when you knew he is a dangerous man? Oh, girl. Was getting hurt such an appetizing idea that you need to agree?" He almost raised his voice but then he stopped when he realized that he was already taking things too far. Xavier knew that Jasper won't stop until gets her. It was up to him to never allow it to happen. He would protect her, he admitted within himself. He knew what type of man Jasper was. He won't give up. Jasper is a billionaire but his net worth couldn't be compared to Xavier's. Jasper is Xavier's opponent and most despicable enemy. The fact he stole Lilian from him was enough for him to make Nessa his own. "I am sorry...I am sorry. This won't happen again. I will never agree with him again. I promise." She said and looked around. She grabbed her purse and remembered the food. "After you take care of the bruise, you can eat this and rest." She said and showed him the food. He nodded. "Where are you going?" He asked. "Home. I need to...I need to clear my head." She rushed to the door but he stopped her by grabbing her shoulder. "You can't go." He said. "But why?" She asked. "Because he might still be outside looking for you. What if he hurt you?" "No, he won't. Jasper won't hurt me." Nessa said, shaking. "Are you serious?" Xavier frowned. He knew she was naive. "He is watching you, Vanessa." He retorted.