Chapter 1 Echoes And Encounters

The shrill sound of the alarm shattered the darkness, jerking Rome awake.

His breath came in ragged gasps, and his heart pounded so hard it felt like it might burst from his chest.

Sweats clung to his body as if autumn had come early.

The dream had been so very detailed-his old home, his dad writhing in agony from poison and his mother screaming falling off a rooftop.

A darkness of the nightmare still haunted Rome even after he opened his eyes to find himself in darkness.

He fumbled for the pills on his nightstand, finding them and swallowing them dry, their bitterness stung him.

He sat up and looked around at the bareness of his room with its minimalist décor.

The black walls and cold furniture seemed suffocatingly close. they seemed to add to the feeling of loneliness he experienced.

His face wet with sweat, Rome glanced at the clock–4:00 AM.

His mind ran back between the remnants of a dream that still echoed inside it and the harsh reality he was living within.

After shaking off any traces of sleep, he went out to the balcony and lit a cigarette. The smoke rose curling up with the cool morning breeze.

This city's skyline stretched beneath him. that city that stood as testimony about what an empire he had built.

Taking in a long drag from this cigarette,

he muttered "I swear, I will make those who caused you pain suffer beyond their worst nightmares.

They will beg for death." The cigarette burned down to its filter as he spoke.

Waking to the bright morning light, her father's voice breaking through her slumber.

"Kylie! Kylie! It's time to wake up!" Her messy black hair tumbled over her face as she sat up, yawning and smiling at her father, who stood by her bed with a warm smile and hands in his pockets.

"Papa you are up early," she said, stretching.

"I'm always up early, don't you have plans today?" he asked, brows furrowed.

"Oh, I do! she replied, hurrying to the bathroom.

An hour later, Kylie feeling refreshed made her way to the dining room.Her father was still in his pajamas and she asked,

"Papa, aren't you going to work?"

"Papa is off today," he said with a warm smile.

Kylie's heart swelled at the sight of her father so relaxed. Since her mother's passing,

Robert the CEO of Davenge Enterprise, had worked tirelessly.

Seeing him take a break and support her made her love him even more. "I love you Papa" Kylie said as she headed out.

"I love you too princess, be careful" Robert called after her. his smile genuine.

Kylie met her best friend Dustin who is openly gay, at his spa. seeing Kylie at his spa made him so happy .

"Oh my girl! I missed you, I thought I was no longer important."

"Oh stop it sissy! It's just been two days," Kylie chuckled, and they laughed together.

Dustin's employees were accustomed to their playful banter, they simply smiled and went about their work.

"So where are we going most beautiful?" Dustin asked.

"We are going shopping and the bill's on me," Kylie said, waving her credit card.

Dustin's excitement bubbled up . "Having a rich best friend is so cool!"

"If I weren't rich, would you still be friends with me?" Kylie teased, rolling her eyes.

"Of course! We were meant to be best friends. Even if you were poor, you would still be the coolest and most beautiful.

I would always be there for you," Dustin said sincerely.

Kylie blushed at his words. "That's so sweet of you."

They drove to the mall, playing their favorite songs and vibing together.

At the mall, they first stopped at a restaurant. While eating, Kylie glanced at arguing couples and sighed.

"I don't think I will ever be in love," she said.

Dustin almost choking on his drink.

"Come on, Kylie! Stop being a b*tch

You are twenty-two, go fall in love, break up and move on if it doesn't work. You are still young, enjoy life!" Dustin urged.

"Love isn't my thing," Kylie replied. Dustin burst out laughing.

"So what is your thing then?" Her lips curled up in a smile "Nothing. I just want to be my dad's daughter."

"Darling, you can be your father's daughter and still live your own life. You are a virgin, and you want to stay that way forever?" Kylie shrugged, smiling.

"I'm just not interested in love or relationships. As for sex, I don't care."

"Oh, Kylie I give up. Live your boring life. I'm a lover boy."

Her face lit up "Keep being a lover boy.

When your heart gets broken, come to boring Kylie's shoulder to cry on b*tch."

He chuckled. "You win this time..."

"I always win" she replied, her face glowing with pride.

They left the restaurant and was heading to the clothing section. As they waited for the elevator, Dustin realized his phone was missing.

"Oh no! I think I left my phone at the restaurant. Go ahead to the clothing store and wait for me," he said, dashing off.

As the elevator doors slid open, Kylie lifted her gaze from the floor, and her pulse quickened. Inside stood a man of striking good looks.

His face had perfect symmetry, with high cheekbones and full lips.

His dark hair was neatly styled, his eyes a piercing blue, and his flawless complexion gave him an almost otherworldly appearance.

At 190 cm tall, he towered over Kylie making her feel tiny by comparison.

She barely noticed his irritated expression. . "Aren't you coming in?" he asked coldly. Startled, Kylie quickly apologized and stepped inside.

As the doors closed, she couldn't help but glance at him, noting his broad, masculine physique. She whispered to herself, "He's so hot."

The young man looked at her "Are you not going out? "he asked

"No I'm... no..tt she stammered.

As the elevator went down Kylie noticed they were heading to the 7th floor instead of the 6th.

"What is wrong with me"

she thought to herself Suddenly the lights went out, Kylie's heart raced.

"What is happening?" she asked, her voice trembling. The young man remained calm but his eyes were fixed on her and laced with curiosity

"Don't worry We will be out of here soon" He said.