Chapter 5 UNWRITTEN FUTURES.

CHAPTER FIVE- UNWRITTEN FUTURES

~ LUCY'S POV ~

The next morning, I woke up to a text message from Dave: 'Good morning, sunshine. Don't forget we have a date today. Can't wait to see you.'

I had forgotten – every Sunday, Dave and I would go on a date. However, now that I was aware of his intentions, things would have to change.

I replied, 'I'm sorry, Dave, but I'm not feeling well. I'll have to stay home today. Let's go on a date some other time.'

With my plans suddenly free, I decided to visit the library to learn more about the stock market, as I had limited knowledge in this area. Dave had previously sent me a list of companies to consider investing in, including: Deoksan Panel, J Pharma, AT&T, and a video game company preparing for an initial public offering.

To make informed decisions, I needed to educate myself about the market.

I left the house for the library, dressed in my casual attire – black jeans, a checkered shirt, and sneakers. Before heading out, I grabbed my glasses.

Upon arrival, I was surprised to find the library bustling with people, no doubt due to the weekend. I made my way to the shelves and browsed through the titles, noticing books such as '100 Ways to Become Rich' and 'Wealth Creation Through the Stock Market'. As I flipped through the pages, I found so many unfamiliar terms and I closed the book in frustration.

I thought to myself, 'Surely there must be a beginner's guide somewhere.'

Just then I spotted a book titled 'Stock Market Basics You Need To Learn.' However, it was placed on a high shelf and I struggled to reach it Just as I was stretching, a hand suddenly picked up the book from the shelf and handed it to me.

"Thank you," I said, taking the book without looking up

"I didn't know you were interested in books like this Ms Lucy," The sweet, deep voice said Upon hearing the voice I looked up and was surprised to see Mr. Micheal.

I had never seen him in casual clothes before – he usually wore suits. But now, I couldn't help but notice how handsome he looked. I haven't stood this close to him before. His sun-kissed skin glowed, and his piercing blue-hazel eyes sparkled in the light. His dark hair was perfectly messy, framing his chiseled features and strong jawline.

"I think this book will help you better," he said, handing me a book titled, 'The Grasshopper's Guide to the Stock Market'.

"Really?" I said collecting the book from him

"Yes, it was explained in simpler terms"

"Wow, thank you. How did you know I needed a book like that?" I asked.

"You're easy to read, Ms. Lucy," he replied with a smile. I smiled back and asked,

"What about you? Having trouble finding something to read?"

"No, I was already heading to the cashier when I saw you struggling to reach the shelf," he explained.

We walked together to the cashier to pay for our books using our library cards. As we waited, I glanced at the book he was holding and said, "It seems you enjoy comics."

"Yes, I do," he replied. "But, I read a wide range of genres."

As we approached the door, where we would part ways, he turned to me and said, "Lucy, will you be free..." However, my phone interrupted him, ringing loudly with Dave's name on the screen. I swiftly silenced the call, not wanting to engage in a conversation.

"I think you should get that," he said, his eyes fixed on my phone, which continued to ring insistently. "isn't it your boyfriend who's calling?"

"Don't worry it's not that important" I said, silencing the call once more and tucking the phone into my back pocket.

"You were trying to say something earlier sir," I added, steering the conversation back on track.

"Oh right, I... ehm I was going to say that your shoelace is untied." He said, and to my surprise, he knelt to tie it for me.

I stood frozen, unsure of how to react or what to say. Why is Mr Micheal being so kind to me?

At work, everyone seemed intimidated by his stern, professional aura.

"All done," he said, rising to his feet. "I guess I'll see you tomorrow then"

Tomorrow?... What's happening tomorrow?

I wondered for a moment before it clicked.

Oh-he meant at work. Of course, he'd see me there after all he's the head director of the marketing department... and the CEO's son.

"Thank you, sir. I'll be off now." I replied, offering a slight bow before turning to leave.

I woke up at 5:39 am and began getting ready for work. I wore my usual simple outfit and arrived at the office by 7:23 am, surprisingly early for me. As I entered the empty office, I dropped my bag on my desk and glanced toward the CEO's office, where I spotted Mr. Michael.

What was he doing here so early, alone? As I stepped closer, I found him fast asleep, sitting upright with his head slightly bowed. Noticing a faint sheen of sweat on his face, I decided to turn on the air conditioner. As I approached him, I couldn't help but stare. Mr. Michael's good looks were undeniable, and his skin looked remarkably smooth. My gaze lingered, and I leaned in slightly for a closer look, but suddenly, he woke up. His piercing blue eyes locked onto mine, and I felt a jolt.

"Lucy?" He called out, staring at me. "What are you doing?"

"Uh, I... I," I stuttered, gesturing toward the air conditioner. "I just saw you and was wondering if you needed anything," I managed to say.

"Don't worry, I don't need anything. I'm fine," he replied, still gazing at me. His eyes were captivating, and I found myself standing still, locked in his gaze.

I finally broke the spell and left his office, returning to my desk. I began browsing through my laptop, searching for the companies Dave had recommended earlier. I decided to invest in J Pharma, remembering how Dave had made a fortune in 2021 by investing in their stocks. I quickly navigated to the purchase page, noting that the stock price had skyrocketed to five times its original value in just a month. I clicked 'Buy' without hesitation.

Moments later, a hand appeared beside me, holding a cup of coffee and a sandwich. I looked up and it was Mr. Micheal.

"I got you something while getting my morning coffee," he said. "You arrived early today, and I figured you might not have eaten. Your stomach growled when you were in my office."

I looked at the steaming coffee and was touched by his thoughtfulness. "You didn't have to, sir. I'm... I'm not hungry," I protested.

"You can have it when you're hungry then," he said with a smile and turned to leave.

Is this the Mr. Michael I knew, or is he someone else? He doesn't seem capable of such kindness. Although I've never spoken to him this closely before, it's intriguing to see this side of him now.

Moments like these never occurred before my reincarnation, making me wonder if altering the past is indeed altering the future.

A few minutes later, my colleagues began arriving at the office. 'Good morning, Lucy,' they chimed in one by one as they settled into their seats. Around 9:00 am, Dave and Suzy walked in together, which didn't surprise me.

"Good morning, Lucy. You're here already," Suzy said, pulling up a chair beside my desk.

"Good morning, Lucy. How are you feeling this morning? You didn't respond to my text all night," Dave added.

"Was busy," I replied curtly, still focused on my laptop screen without looking up.

"Is that cappuccino?" Suzy asked, noticing my drink. "I've always known you as a latte lover."

"I enjoy both," I said. "You just didn't notice."

After everyone settled in, Dave became engrossed in his laptop, likely buying more shares. I decided to take a peek, determined not to let him succeed without my knowledge.

As I passed by his desk, I glanced at his screen and discovered he was selling his J Pharma stocks.

Why was he doing that?

"Need anything, Lucy?" he asked, snapping me back to reality.

"No, not really," I replied. "Wait, it's about J Pharma. I tried buying some shares, but I realized it's been on the rise," I said, trying to sound casual.

"Oh, yes, I made a bit of profit and decided to sell off my shares," he explained. "I heard some news yesterday."

"What news?" I asked curiously.

"MW Technology developed a new product and is going to partner with AT&T soon, so their stocks are going to skyrocket. I don't think it's worth continuing with J Pharma anymore since I heard they'll soon crash, which is why their shares are now expensive."

MW Technology? I'd heard about that company before, and it didn't end well. About a year later, investors lost a lot of money after the CEO fled the country. Now Dave was considering investing in them, which would clearly lead to bankruptcy. If past events were bound to repeat themselves, I had to intervene.

The thought of stealing his luck made me smile.

"Not many people know about this, but I'm sharing it with you because you're my girlfriend," he said.

"Sure, I won't tell anyone," I smiled and left his desk, thinking to myself, Fool.

He doesn't deserve to know, and even if I told him, he wouldn't believe me anyway.

At 12:10 pm, it was time for lunch. I decided to head down to the cafeteria and invited Dave to join me.

"I was about to head down to the cafeteria, want to have lunch together?" I asked. "Of course," he replied.

Suzy chimed in, "Let me join!"

Her tendency to insert herself into our plans was partly what I had anticipated. We went to the cafeteria together and stood in line.

Suzy complimented my blouse, saying, "By the way, Lucy, where did you buy that blouse? I haven't seen you wear it before, and it's really pretty."

I replied, "Yeah, it's new."

A sense of déjà vu washed over me, recalling a similar incident where Suzy had praised my outfit and then intentionally spilled soup on me, leaving me mortified. I suspected history might repeat itself.

When it was Suzy's turn to order, she asked for chicken tortilla soup, the same type she had spilled on me in the past. I was determined to avoid a repeat performance. After receiving our meals, we headed toward an empty table. I stood behind Suzy, watching her every move, anticipating when she would 'accidentally' trip.

As Suzy turned to ask me a question, she lost her balance. Anticipating the spill, I swiftly shifted to the side, and the hot soup landed on Dave, who was standing behind us.

"I'm so sorry, Dave. I didn't know you were coming. I'm sorry. Are you okay?" Suzy exclaimed, trying to get up.

"I'm fine, thank goodness the soup wasn't that hot," he said with a smile.

I rolled my eyes inwardly, thinking, 'Idiot. The soup was clearly hot. He's just being polite because it's Suzy who spilled it. If it had been me, I'm certain I'd be hearing about it nonstop.

"Are you hurt?" he asked Suzy

"No, I'm not" she replied, her hand brushing against his shirt as she checked for damage.

"You should get him a tissue to dry up, at least," I said to Suzy.

"But you can also help me get it," she retorted.

I turned to face her directly. "You're the one who spilled it on him-not me. Or is basic responsibility too much to ask?"

Her lips pressed into a tight smile. "Fine. I'll get it."

"Good," I replied, watching her stalk off toward the restroom, her heels clicking like a retreating soldier's boots.

Dave remained silent, his eyes flicking between us, unsure whose side to take. I didn't bother helping. He could dry himself off-with or without her help. Let them play out their little drama. I had my own game to win.

A minute later, Suzy returned with a wad of tissues and handed them to Dave with a sweet, overly apologetic smile. He muttered a quiet thanks and began blotting at his stained shirt, though the dark blotches refused to fade.

"I'll be right back," I said casually, heading towards the restroom.

The moment I stepped inside, I couldn't help but laugh at what had happened, knowing Suzy's plan hadn't worked. I recalled the look on her face as she left to get the tissue; she was displeased that things hadn't gone as planned. It served her right, after all.

Just as I was lost in thought, a voice called out,

"Excuse me" I turned around, but I was alone in the restroom.

"Excuse me" the strange voice called out again. I still couldn't figure out where the voice was coming from.

"Who's there?" I asked, growing uneasy when no one responded.

Am I... hearing voices now?