Chapter 5 Fate

Annabelle found herself in a predicament, unsure of how to respond to Natasha's false accusations. She considered brushing Natasha off or ignoring her, but she didn't want to draw more attention to herself. After all, Annabelle had successfully kept a low profile for three years, avoiding friendships and social interactions.

Just as Annabelle was pondering her next move, a voice cut through the tension. "Fuck off, fake Barbie bitch." The speaker was a bold, red-haired girl with multiple piercings and a rebellious attitude. She was accompanied by a handsome, brooding guy dressed in a crisp white shirt and black trousers.

Natasha's face contorted in distaste as she took in the sight of the red-haired girl, her apparent arch-nemesis. Shifting her focus back to Annabelle, Natasha glared at her, snarling, "See you around, little pet." Her minions snickered, and Annabelle felt a surge of embarrassment.

With a push of her chest, flick of her hair and a sashay of her hips, Natasha and her entourage made a dramatic exit, leaving Annabelle feeling relieved. She turned to the red-haired girl and her companion, grateful for their timely intervention.

"Thanks for stepping in," Annabelle said, her voice sincere. "I owe you one."

The red-haired girl smiled, her piercings glinting in the light. "No need to thank me, girl. I'm just glad I could shut Natasha down. I'm Ruby, by the way, and this is Max."

Annabelle smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Ruby and Max. "I'm Annabelle. Nice to meet you both."As Sean approached the bullied lady, he asked with genuine concern, "Are you alright?" The lady, who had been keeping her head down, slowly raised it, revealing a delicate, princess-like beauty. Her blonde hair, round blue eyes, puffed cheeks, and slightly pouty lips made her appear vulnerable and in need of protection.

As Sean walked out of the college, he couldn't shake off the feeling that he was drawn to Annabelle, the girl he had saved earlier. He wondered what it was about her that had caught his attention.

Earlier

Sean's thoughts drifted back to the earlier encounter. He had been on his way to the College Dean's office to finalize his lecturing papers when he stumbled upon a disturbing scene. Three guys had cornered a girl, harassing her with lewd comments. She looked terrified, like a rabbit trapped by wolves.

Sean had contemplated intervening, weighing his options. He decided to step in, approaching the group with a firm tone. "Leave the lady alone," he commanded.

The trio, fueled by arrogance and a sense of invincibility, didn't take Sean seriously. The ring leader sneered, "Who the fuck do you think you are? Leave now before we beat you up. We only have business with this chick here."

Sean chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "You wouldn't want to know who I am," he replied, his voice low and even.

The three guys turned around, taken aback by Sean's confident demeanor. They were startled to see a well-toned and muscular man standing before them. Intimidated by his physical presence, they backed down, retreating with their tails between their legs.Sean watched them flee, a sense of satisfaction washing over him.

Sean couldn't help but notice why those guys had targeted her. As their eyes met, the lady replied, "Yes, I'm fine, thank you for your help." With a quick smile, she scurried off, leaving Sean feeling a sense of relief that she was okay.

However, as Sean walked to his first lecture, he found himself unable to shake off the image of the bullied lady. Her face seemed familiar, reminiscent of someone from his teenage years. He regretted not asking for her name earlier, but she had fled before he could.

Fate, it seemed, had other plans. As Sean entered the classroom to deliver his lecture, he was surprised to see the same lady seated among the students. Determined to learn her name this time, Sean began his lecture, his eyes occasionally drifting towards the mysterious lady. She seems to notice his gaze as she blushed.

The Present

As Sean drove, he couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over him. He had finally learned the name of the mysterious lady - Annabelle. However, his excitement was short-lived, as he realized that her name didn't match the person he had been thinking of.

Sean's thoughts drifted back to his current predicament. His father's threat still lingered, and he was no closer to finding a solution. Feeling overwhelmed, Sean decided to clear his head with a few drinks at his friend's bar.

As he pushed open the door, the sounds of laughter and clinking glasses enveloped him. Sean spotted his friend, Mike, polishing a glass behind the counter. Mike raised an eyebrow as Sean approached.

"The usual?" Mike asked, already knowing the answer.

Sean nodded, taking a seat at the bar. "Yeah, and make it a double."

Mike raised an eyebrow but said nothing, expertly mixing Sean's drink. As Sean took a sip, he felt the tension in his shoulders begin to ease. Maybe, just maybe, he could find a way to deal with his father's threat.