Desolation

three

Stephen's POV

I sat with my friends while we all talked and had some drinks. They were all staying here for a couple of days and then going back. I was really happy to see them especially Aaron.

My Uncle was hanging out with us but he was called back to his office because of the meeting that he had. He said it was really important and couldn't miss it so he would join us again later.

We all stared at the elevator when it opened on the second floor where the bar was. I saw a girl walk in but couldn't really recognize her. She walked closer and that's when it hit me, it was Lucy. She was my Uncle's daughter and of course my cousin. I smiled and stood up to give her a big hug.

"You look so different now, I almost didn't recognize you back there," I said while crushing her in my arms.

"Well it's been so long since we saw each other and you've grown too," she said while laughing and squirming.

I pulled away and introduced her to all of my friends who looked confused. I swear to God if anyone tried to hit on her, I'd break their face. Back when we were younger, Lucy and I used to spend a lot of time together. We were close and always caused so much trouble. She was three years younger than me and I had been protective over her from the start.

Their family moved to Seattle eventually and we grew apart but it was still so good to see her after so long. I'm sure she had a lot to say to me.

"How are things back there?" she asked me while she sat down in a stool next to me.

"Really good, Dad finally retired so Sarah took over for him. She's doing great so far, I'm happy for her. Mum is the same old, caring and loving as always," I said while smiling at her.

"That's cool, I really miss all of them sometimes, I wish I could see them more often," she smiled at me sadly.

"You should go visit them, you know they'd be more than happy to see you after so long, especially Mum," I said while looking back at my friends who were all engrossed amongst themselves.

"I would love to but I just started working at this new place and I can't ask for a vacation right now," she muttered.

"Yeah that makes sense," I said quietly and before I could ask her anything else, the elevator opened again.

All of us watched as my Uncle walked out of the elevator followed by someone. I didn't really pay attention and was about to ask Lucy about her work when he called me out.

"Stephen would you mind coming here for a second? I want you to meet someone," he called authoritatively.

I excused myself and walked to the other side of the room where he stood along with the person he wanted me to meet.

As I walked closer, I recognized it was that girl from the hotel but she looked so different standing there in a prim and proper black dress and heels along with her hair tied up into a neat bun. She looked professional and confident.

I turned towards my Uncle and raised my eyebrows.

"Meet Ms. Grayson, she's the one who's designing our new hotel. She's a well known architect and interior designer. Her work is very impressive," he said referring to the girl standing beside him.

I nodded my head and looked at her, she had a kind smile on her face but I don't think she had noticed me yet.

"My work is just fine. You have too much faith in me," she said while laughing and looking at my Uncle.

"She's also very modest as you can tell son," he teased while looking back and forth between us.

She rolled her eyes and finally set them on me. Recognition flashed across her face and I could tell she remembered me.

Before I could introduce myself, my Uncle beat me to it. He kept cutting me off and to be honest it was getting annoying. I pressed my lips together.

"And this is my nephew Stephen Hendry. He's soon gonna take my place and run the business," he gestured towards me.

"Hi I'm Noelle Grayson," she smiled and stuck her hand out. I don't know what it was about her but she always seemed so confident and undaunted. Even now she looked unbothered to see me. Honestly I was a bit shocked to see her and even more so when I was told that she was the one who's designing the new hotel. It was really strange because she looked young and it had to be almost impossible for her to be a well known architect so soon. It didn't make sense.

"Stephen," I said while shaking her hand and looking at her. She was beautiful, it was so obvious.

"You're staying at The Imperial, aren't you?"

I was surprised that she brought it up, I didn't expect her to. I nodded my head and was about to say more when my Uncle cut me off, yet again. I rolled my eyes.

"Did you know she designed The Imperial as well? She's very close with the Edwards," he informed enthusiastically.

I could tell he really liked her because he kept admiring her and spoke of her like a proud father. She must be a very hard working person then.

"Oh come on, you're good friends with the Edwards too, they're lovely people," she replied.

I had heard about the Edwards, hadn't met them though. I was aware how Uncle Xavier was friends with them because of the similar business line. I also knew that The Imperial was owned by the daughter of the Edwards and that she lived there.

Yet again I was surprised to find out that Noelle had designed the place where I was currently staying. It looked brilliant to be honest. The girls got some talent gotta say. My Uncle wasn't the only one who was impressed now. She seemed interesting.

I stood there while Noelle and Uncle Xavier talked to each other. It was like all the words that I knew had escaped me and I didn't have anything to say. I was too caught up thinking about all the information I had just received about this intriguing young lady. She was something and I wanted to know more.

"I need to head out but I'll just go and see Lucy before I leave," Noelle said to my Uncle who I think offered her to stay for some drinks.

She hugged my Uncle goodbye before turning to me. She reached her hand out again and said it was good to see me. I shook her hand and reciprocated the gesture. She smiled at me and started heading towards where Lucy was seated. I could see her talking to my cousin briefly before she made her way to the elevator. The doors opened and just like that, she was gone.

I wanted to know more about her but I couldn't ask my Uncle so my next best shot was Lucy. They seemed close enough and she would tell me whatever I needed to know or at least I could manipulate it out of her. I smiled at the thought and strolled over to my lovely little sister.

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I know that I keep going back and forth between Noelle & Stephen's point of view and I'm sorry if it bothers you. I know it's difficult to keep up with but this book is mainly about Noelle so there's definitely going to be her pov and also Stephen's because he observes her a lot. Hope you guys are okay with it.

Let me know in the comments if you like Stephen's pov or not. Also this chapter's a bit short but better things are coming and I promise it's gonna be nice and long.

Hope y'all liked this chapter. Make sure you vote and comment !

Have an amazing day lovelies :)