Chapter 2 Crossing path

🔹

🔹

Alex walked into the cozy coffee shop, still fuming from his encounter with the mysterious woman in the sedan. He needed a coffee to calm his nerves.

As he waited in line, he noticed a familiar face sitting at a small table by the window. It was Lily Thompson, the daughter of his mother's childhood friend.

Alex smiled as he made his way over to Lily's table. "Hey, Lil! What brings you here?"

Lily's face lit up with a bright smile. "Alex! Oh, I was just grabbing a coffee before I head to class."

Alex sat down across from Lily, feeling a sense of comfort in her presence. "So, how's school going?" he asked, taking a sip of his coffee.

Lily launched into a detailed explanation of her coursework, and Alex listened intently, asking questions and making supportive noises.

As they chatted, Lily couldn't help but steal glances at Alex, her heart racing with excitement. She had harbored a secret crush on Alex for years, but she knew he only saw her as a friend.

After a while, the conversation turned to Alex's family. "So, how's your mom doing?" Lily asked, her eyes sparkling with interest.

Alex rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "She's still trying to marry me off to some suitable woman. You know, the usual."

Lily laughed. "Yeah, I can imagine. Your mom always had big plans for you."

Alex grinned. "Tell me about it. But hey, at least she means well."

As they finished their drinks, Alex stood up to leave. "It was great running into you, Lil. We should catch up again soon."

Lily's face fell slightly, but she forced a smile. "Yeah, that would be great."

As Alex walked out of the coffee shop, Lily watched him go, her heart aching with unrequited love. She sighed, wondering if she would ever find the courage to tell Alex how she really felt.

🔹

🔹

🔹

Bella is a free-spirited artist who has just moved to the city. She's Sophia's cousin, and the two are extremely close.

As Ava is getting ready to meet Sophia for lunch, Sophia bursts into Ava's office, accompanied by Bella.

"Ava, I'm so sorry I'm late!" Sophia exclaims. "I had to pick up Bella from the airport. She just moved here from LA."

Ava's eyes widen as she takes in Bella's eclectic style. "Wow, you're certainly... colorful," Ava says, trying to hide her surprise.

Bella laughs, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Hey, someone's got to bring some excitement to this dull city."

As they head out to lunch, Ava can't help but feel a little uneasy around Bella. There's something about Bella's carefree spirit that makes Ava feel like she's stuck in a rut.

As they sit down at a trendy restaurant, Bella immediately starts chatting with the waiter, asking him about the best dishes on the menu. Ava watches, observing Bella's carefree nature.

Sophia notices Ava's gaze and smiles. "Bella's always been like that," Sophia says. "She has this infectious energy that just draws people to her."

Ava nods, taking a sip of her water. "She's definitely... lively," Ava says.

Bella overhears Ava's comment and turns to her with a mischievous grin. "Oh, I don't know, Ava," Bella says. "I think you're just hiding your wild side."

Ava raises an eyebrow, feeling a little defensive. "I don't have a wild side," Ava says.

Bella winks at Sophia. "Oh, I think she's just waiting for the right person to bring it out."

Sophia laughs and playfully rolls her eyes. "Bella, stop teasing Ava."

Bella joins them, and the waiter arrives with their food. As they dig in, Sophia starts chatting about her life.

"I'm so glad to be back in the city," Sophia says. "LA was amazing, but it's not the same as being here with my friends and family."

Ava nods, interested. "How was living in LA?" she asks.

Sophia launches into a story about her time in LA, from her job as a stylist to her adventures hiking in Runyon Canyon. Ava listens, captivated by Sophia's enthusiasm.

As they finish their meal, Bella glances at her watch. "I'm so sorry, but I have to run. I have a meeting with a potential client."

Ava nods, smiling. "It was great catching up with you, Bella."

Bella hugs Sophia goodbye, and Bella hurries out of the restaurant, leaving Ava and Bella alone.

As they finish their meal, Sophia glances at her watch and stands up. "I'm so sorry, Ava, but I have to run. I have an art exhibit to get to."

Ava nods, smiling. "It was great catching up with you, Sophia. Good luck with your exhibit."

Sophia hugs Ava goodbye and hurries out of the restaurant.

Ava checks her watch and realizes she's running late for a meeting at the office. She quickly pays the bill and walks out of the restaurant, getting into her car.

James, her driver, greets her with a nod. "Where to, Miss Addams?"

"The office, please," Ava replies.

James nods and starts the engine. As they pull out of the parking lot, Ava takes a deep breath, preparing herself for the meeting ahead.

As they drive, Ava's mind starts to wander back to her conversation with Bella. She's glad they had a chance to catch up.

When they arrive at the office, James pulls up to the entrance and Ava gets out. "Thanks, James," she says.

James nods and drives off.

Ava walks into the office, where her personal assistant, Rachel, greets her with a harried expression. "Ava, you have a meeting with the marketing team in 10 minutes."

Ava nods, taking a deep breath. "Thanks, Rachel. I'll get right to it."

Ava heads into the meeting room, feeling focused and prepared.

🔹

🔹

🔹

Alex sat on the couch in Jake's living room, sipping a cold drink. He had just finished explaining his plan to Jake and Ryan, and now they were discussing the details.

"I'm telling you, it's genius," Jake said, grinning. "You'll be able to find someone who truly likes you for who you are."

Ryan nodded in agreement. "And it's not like you're trying to deceive anyone. You just want to get to know someone without all the pressure and expectations."

Alex nodded, feeling a sense of determination. "Exactly. I'm tired of my mom trying to set me up with girls who are only interested in my family's money and status."

Jake and Ryan exchanged a sympathetic glance. They knew how much Alex's mom had been riding him lately.

"Don't worry, man," Jake said. "We've got your back. We'll help you find someone who truly cares about you."

"I'm telling you, Jake, this is the only way I'll ever find true love," Alex said, his eyes shining with determination."

Jake shook his head, chuckling. "You're crazy, Alex. But I love it."

As they clinked their cups together in a toast, Jake suddenly asked, "Have you found her yet?"

Alex sighed, shaking his head. "No."

The three friends headed inside......

🔹

🔹

🔹

Ava's father, Reginald, walked into the luxurious office, greeted by two familiar faces: Marcus Thompson, a wealthy businessman, and Senator James Parker, a powerful politician.

Reginald shook hands with the men, exchanging warm smiles. "Gentlemen, it's been too long."

Marcus leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "Reginald, we've been discussing a potential business deal. One that could greatly benefit our families."

Reginald's eyes narrowed, intrigued. "I'm listening."

Senator Parker leaned forward, his voice taking on a serious tone. "We're talking about a merger between our companies. One that would give us unprecedented control over the market."

Reginald's eyes widened, his mind racing with the implications. "That's a bold move. But I like it."

Marcus smiled, a sly glint in his eye. "I knew you'd see it our way, Reginald. Now, let's discuss the details."

As the men delved into the specifics of the deal, Reginald couldn't shake off the feeling that there was more to this merger than met the eye.

But for now, he was willing to play along. After all, the potential rewards were too great to ignore.

As they finalized the details, Reginald stood up, a sense of satisfaction washing over him. "Gentlemen, I think we have a deal."

But just as they were about to shake hands, Marcus's phone rang, shrill in the silence.

Marcus's expression darkened as he listened to the caller. "What do you mean it's gone?" he growled.

Reginald's eyes narrowed, a sense of unease creeping over him. What was going on?

.

.

.

Next chapter loading