Chapter 1 Fateful Collision

The cold winds of a Californian winter danced around street corners and swept across the wide highways like mischievous spirits. Night had fallen, blanketing South East California in an indigo hue speckled with golden lights. Despite the chill, the city thrived with its characteristic energy. Towering buildings lit up the horizon, and the streets buzzed with honking cars, glowing billboards, and hurried footsteps of people chasing or escaping something.

Lea's hands were tightly gripping the steering wheel of her boss's sleek, black Highlander SDG-12T. Her dark brown eyes, tired yet sharp, flicked from the rearview mirror to the road ahead. Her boss, Mr. Michael, had trusted her with this one last errand before she could finally call it a day. The car smelled like leather and old peppermint. She sighed, adjusting the heating knob.

"I just need to drop this package and go home," she muttered, brushing a few strands of her brown hair from her face.

Despite the fatigue that tugged at her bones, Lea couldn't help but admire the glistening cityscape around her. The moonlight mirrored off the glass buildings, casting long shadows on the roads. The sidewalks teemed with life - street musicians, lovers holding hands, neon signs flashing promises of adventure.

Then - BANG!

The sudden impact jarred her forward. Her heart jumped into her throat. A car had slammed into her from behind.

"What the heck?!" she exclaimed, hurriedly pulling over. Her mind raced as she shut off the engine, her breath fogging the cold air as she stepped out. She walked toward the offending vehicle - an expensive Porsche - and knocked firmly on the tinted window.

"Come on out," she said, voice firm, her irritation barely concealed. "Now."

Inside the vehicle, two brothers, Jake and Mark Jackson, sat slumped in their seats, stunned from the impact. They had been coming back from a small getaway - a business deal turned successful con - and their spirits were high until the sudden crash.

"What a success... don't you say, Jake?" Mark asked, grinning as he turned toward his brother in their 2.5L Porsche.

Jake gave a tight smile, though guilt lingered in his voice. "Sure, it was. Those girls were just... unlucky. But we got the money."

"You always say that," Mark snapped, his tone sharp. "We do what we have to. Stop feeling guilty, it ruins the high. Those girls funded your suits, your shoes, your penthouse. Our dear father couldn't give you any of this. So stop whining and enjoy what we have."

Jake exhaled, shaking off the guilt. "Yeah, yeah, you're right. How about we take this celebration up a notch?"

Mark grinned. "Now that's more like it." He leaned toward the driver. "Samuel, take us to 'Serena's Night.' Let's party."

"Yes sir," Samuel replied, though his hands were shaking slightly. Distracted by the conversation and the blinding lights, he didn't notice the Highlander slowing down ahead until it was too late. The car hit the SUV with a loud screech and crunch.

Back in the moment, Lea waited as the driver finally stepped out.

"I'm so sorry, ma'am. I got distracted-" Samuel began.

"Distracted? Do you know how much this car is worth?" Lea ranted, pacing in frustration. "Didn't you see my turn signal?"

"I'll call your insurance company. I'll confirm it was an accident, ma'am," Samuel said humbly.

Lea groaned. "This would've been easier if it were my car. My boss? He's going to flip! I'm his driver, not his insurance handler."

Samuel was about to respond when the passenger door opened, and out stepped Jake.

Tall, dark-haired, and wearing a tailored navy coat over a crisp white shirt, Jake was hard to miss. He looked like he had just stepped off a runway - or out of trouble. His eyes scanned Lea, and he paused.

"Samuel, what's going on?" he asked casually. But then he caught sight of her. "Oh... I see now."

Lea turned and met his gaze. She had large, expressive black eyes framed by long lashes, soft brown skin, and a curvaceous figure that the night wind tugged at through her coat. Her beauty caught Jake off guard. He smiled - a slow, cocky smile that made Lea's stomach twist, not with attraction, but with discomfort.

"Mind telling me why you're letting this gorgeous woman wait out here in the cold?" Jake asked, clearly enjoying himself.

Lea snapped her fingers in front of his face. "Excuse me, Mister. Your driver-Samuel, I believe-hit my car. You owe me an explanation, not a compliment."

Jake chuckled, rubbing his chin. "Well, can't deny I'm partially to blame. Let me make it up to you. Here-my insurance card. I'll call them now, book an appointment. You can get it fixed tomorrow, free of charge. Also, if you'd prefer, I'll speak to your boss and take responsibility."

Lea stared at him, surprised. "That's... actually thoughtful."

"I'm a man of action." Jake winked. "And unfortunately, out of time. But I'd hate to leave things like this."

Lea reached out for the card. "You've done more than enough. I'll talk to my boss. Thank you."

Jake watched her walk back to the Highlander, her hair bouncing with each step.

"God help me," he murmured under his breath. "Who was she?"

As he returned to his car, his heart was strangely unsettled - not by the accident, but by her eyes. Those eyes would haunt him long after the night faded into silence.