A Journey With Paris

Paris POV

They said death is the only thing inevitable in life. However, I wasn't ready to die

At least not yet

Yet, here I was, trapped in a rustic helicopter that was about to crash. The deafening beeping of the alarms met the erratic beating of my heart. I squeezed my eyes shut as my heart thrummed loudly in my chest, making it hard for me to breathe

As the helicopter rapidly descended, I clung to my seat with a death grip, my knuckles turning white. My mind raced with thoughts - if only I had known, I never would have decided to go on this trip. If only I had known, I never would have hired this useless helicopter. If only I had known...

"We need to brace for a rough landing" the man beside me shouted over the noise and my eyes flung open

"What?" I shouted, my throat cracking

Is this it? Is this how people die?

I stole a glance at the window, witnessing the ground rush towards us as the helicopter descended with speed and I let out a deafening scream, ignoring my burning throat.

Death is inevitable, it's certain, I'm going to die. No, I'm dead.

A tear trickled down my cheek. Would it hurt? Would death come quickly, or slowly? Or worse, would animals feed on my remains?

Just as I questioned my death, everything went black and...silent

24 HOURS EARLIER

"What is it?" I demanded, before I reluctantly perched on the exquisite sofa opposite my father and his mistress, impatiently tapping my perfectly manicured nails

I may dislike my father for what he did to my mother but I still respect him. After all, he fed me, provided for my daily needs, and sheltered me.

He sighed, "Well... You know Sinclair's family?"

Yeah, who wouldn't know the Sinclairs? They are one of the wealthy families here. They owned 50% of the buildings in this town. I know that because we designed all the buildings. My father owns a large architecture firm which I now control not because I love designing and building houses but because I don't want anything to touch those money monger's hands

"Yeah," I said already bored

"Their youngest son is single and so are you"

Okay, I think I know where this conversation is going.

"So we've arranged for you to marry him. It's for the good of our legacy" he added

Tossing my perfectly styled hair. I scoffed, "Marriage? Whose idea was that?" I asked glaring at the step monster who averted her gaze. It's obviously her doings. "Besides, I've got my plans, and they don't involve being tied down to a man I don't know and don't care to know."

Nor do I wish to get married for whatever reason. I am a woman of my own and I will never succumb to being any man's puppet like my mother did. Look where it ended for her.

The step monster chimed in, "Paris, it's a splendid opportunity. Think of the social advantages. It's a beneficial match for both families."

Anger courses through me at her choice of words. If only she knows how much I detest the sound of her snaky voice

"Family?" I scoffed. "Did you just say family? After you stole everything my mother built for yourself? And you dare call yourself family?" I yelled, and she flinched

"Paris..." my father warned

"If you're that concerned about your family, why don't you make your daughter marry the man? Oh, I think I know the reason you're doing this" I let out a dry chuckle, glaring at her teary eyes. "You want to marry me off to another family so your daughter can have everything all to herself, is that it? As usual, your greediness is no bound"

"Paris, don't talk to your mother like that" my father warned in a stern voice

My mother? My brain spiked and I lost it.

"She is not my mother. I do not have a mother and don't you dare compare my mother to this slut" I yelled to his face

My father raised his hand and delivered a resounding slap on my cheek. I gasp in shock at the unexpected action. My hand rubs my throbbing cheek and I glance at my stepmother who was holding my father's hand, fake tears rolling down her eyes. I roll my eyes at her pretense. I would never believe her feelings toward me were true especially when she deceived and betrayed her friend

"Paris,.. " he started and cleared his throat "You will not talk to her like that and you will do as I say without complaining." He stated. "I blame myself for bringing you up spoilt" he muttered under his breath but I heard him clear as a day

Wow! That's nice to know by the way

"Please don't say that. I understand her anger and hatred towards me. It's my fault and I take the blame but please don't hit her again" she pleaded, and I narrowed my eyes at her silly pretense to look tearful and pitiful. My father may be lovestruck or dense but her pretense won't get to me.

"You know," I started grinning and wiping the tears that escaped my eye from the impact of the slap. "You should consider acting. I feel it's your calling" I laughed ignoring my father's fuming gaze

"Paris... " he started

I raise my palm, "I don't care about your family or your legacy. I won't marry some random guy just to boost your precious status. You have another daughter to do that, don't you?"

I turned to leave but paused, my back facing them. "And if I could, I would change my name"

With that, I stormed out of their fucking house, leaving them both behind, with my heels echoing through the house.

_______

The moment I got inside my penthouse with the door beeping shot behind me, I crashed to the ground, my hands trembling and my heart pounding in rage as my cheeks stung, a reminder of my father's slap. I can't believe he slapped me for that whore he called his wife and dared to call my mother.

Tears stung my eyes as my fingers traced the swollen mark on my cheek with the scene replaying itself in my head. Fuck me if I step foot in that house again.

I don't know how it happened, I don't know what changed. How could a love as strong as the one my parents had, change drastically, just like that, with no warning?

We were happy and I was content with just me and my parents. I could remember how happy we were. What changed or was it because I was too young to understand? Fuck that - there is no explanation for his infidelity. He decided on his own to cheat on my mother with her best friend for a good five years.

At least, that's how I calculated it since he brought home his mistress and her five-year-old daughter when I was eleven years old. He had the nerve to bring them into our home when he knew my mother wasn't strong which spiked her blood pressure.

Now, the money monger he brought home didn't only drive me out of the house, but she's going as worse as persuading my father to marry me into another family so she could get her hands on the company my mother built together with my father.

Oh! She must be delusional if she thinks I'll give up without a fight. Sometimes, I wonder if my father is dumb or if he is just acting dumb. All in all, I don't care nor do I give a fuck about anything concerning that family or the stupid proposed arranged marriage

Gathering myself, I walk to my sitting room, toss my purse on the sofa, then flop down on it with a sigh. I usually don't mind the silence but today, it's just overwhelming.

You could say I'm a loner and I am fine with it. I've been fine with it and it's not going to change. Not after what friendship and love did to my mother. She trusted her husband and her best friend and looked where that got her - six feet underground.

Feeling utterly drained and clingy, I decided to indulge in a relaxing bath and my nightly beauty routine. The warm water melted away the day's stresses. After I got into my nightwear, and applied my favorite skincare products, I found myself back in my room, plopping down on my comfy bed, laptop in tow.

The soft glow of the screen highlights my face as my eyes zone on the screen. I might be a loner but I have a lot of followers on my social media page and my daily post has a million likes in minutes.

As I browsed through my social media page, my eyes caught a captivating picture of a breathtaking island bathed in sunlight. An idea suddenly popped into my mind. Without a second thought, I dialed my assistant's number.

The phone rang and it was picked up almost immediately. I heard some shuffling before she spoke into the phone

"Hello ma'am" her voice came out muffled like she was asleep

"Cancel all my appointments for the week," I instructed, not bothering with pleasantries

Surprised, Kyle, my assistant, asked, "Is everything okay?"

"Perfectly, I'm going on a one-week vacation. I need a break from all the stress"

There was a pause on the other end, and then she responded, "Are you sure? What about the meetings and deadlines?"

I rolled my eyes, "Handle things here and I'll deal with them when I get back. And rent me a chopper. I heard there's a popular place where they rent a private chopper" I said

"Private chopper? What happened to the private jet?" She asked. Only Kyle can question me without getting scared. She has been a pain in my neck since high school and although I wouldn't call her a friend, I do tolerate her

"Book me a private chopper. That is none of your business and do not let this conversation get out to my father or anyone. You'll be fired if my phone rings, and disrupts my vacation" I seethed, hanging up the phone before she could form a word.

I can imagine her rolling her eyes, she does that whenever she thinks I'm not looking. Ever since I saved her from a bully back in high school, she's stuck to me like glue and hasn't left my side. Even when I'm not particularly kind to her, she remains unfazed. Although I don't consider her a friend, I can't deny that I see her as more than just an employee.

With a final look at the picture, I closed the laptop, already daydreaming about sandy shores and crystal-clear waters waiting for my arrival. But first, I'm starving.

Paris POV

The car screeched to a stop, drawing the attention of two men walking on the open tarmac

"Are you going to get out?" I asked, sarcastically, staring at Kyle who looked pale like a corpse.

She barely settled into the passenger seat earlier when I slammed my foot on the gas pedal, speeding down the driveway, leaving her to hold on to the door handle for her dear life

I watched her hesitantly step out of the car. She looked like she was going to faint any minute.

"Don't be dramatic," I said after her. With a roll of my eyes, I opened my car door and stepped into the cool morning breeze, flailing my hair into my face as we made our way into the so-called airport

It's a chaotic mess and doesn't look like an airport. It's said to be owned by a man who fell from grace centuries ago. He runs this small business of renting out his choppers for a stipulated time. I can't believe I subjected myself to this inconvenience, I should have just gone with my family's private jet. I can't wait to hop onto my private helicopter and get the hell out of here.

I walked towards what was left of the terminal, my heels clanging against the tiled floor, glancing at the two men engrossed in a conversation. One of them is chubby and short, wearing a suit that I can tell is fake and worn out even from afar while the other is impeccably dressed in a simple long-sleeved top and trousers. He is quite tall, with a good physique. I'm assuming he is my pilot.

"Go find out what is going on. My flight is in ten minutes." I commanded, dismissing Kyle as I settled on one of the chairs she just cleaned. This is one of the things I admire about her; she maintains a professional demeanor while on the job and doesn't mix business with pleasure.

"Alright ma'am," she said, walking towards the two men as the pilot walked away. After what felt like minutes watching her engaged in a hushed conversation with the chubby man while the pilot was already standing beside the helicopter, ready to go. I angrily walked over to them, unable to take it anymore

Their hushed talks ceased abruptly as they caught sight of me, the chubby man turned pale and his eyes widened while Kyle just looked at me with the same bored look she always carries around when in work mode.

"What's going on here? What's delaying my flight?" I barked, my impatience evident in my tone

They exchanged nervous glances, probably waiting to see who would speak first.

"I apologize, Miss Paris. There seems to be an issue with the pilot. He's fallen sick, and they're trying to find a replacement" Kyle said calmly not seeming nervous under my glare

I narrowed my eyes in confusion and looked from the chubby man who was shaking with fright to the man standing at the far end of the building in front of the helicopter.

"What do you mean by the pilot being sick? Isn't that other man a pilot?" I asked, gesturing to the other person.

He turned to follow my gaze and then faced me again, "Him? No, he's not a pilot. He.... He is a client like you" he explained

Oh!

"So in short, you're saying my flight has been delayed because of an irresponsible pilot?" I scoffed, "Unbelievable! Who are you by the way?"

The man straightened his stance "I'm the owner, ma'am. And I'm doing my best to resolve this. Unfortunately, there's no available pilot right now"

My temper flared "You're doing your best, yet you're standing here looking unkempt. Are you in your Goddamn senses? Are you telling me to reschedule my flight? Is that it?"

"I'm sorry ma'am, it's an unforeseen circumstance" he stuttered

I scoffed and let out a dry chuckle. The nerves of this man "Unforeseen?" I take threatening steps toward him while he takes some steps backward in fright

"I give you just two minutes, just two minutes to get a chopper ready with a qualified pilot, or else I will ruin what's left of this shitty place for incompetence if you don't get this sorted out immediately" I seethed and he jerked up shaking like a leaf

With that, I turned on my heel before his annoying voice stopped me midway

"What about that man? He booked the second-seater helicopter and he's going your way" he stuttered again

I halted in my steps, looking over my shoulder

"I could ask if he can share the ride with you since he's traveling solo?"

I raised my brow, clearly interested and I turned to face him fully, my arms folded together under my breast

"So what are you waiting for? Get on with it" I snapped. I could manage a ride with a commoner for today. I just hope the person doesn't turn out to be talkative and wishes to mingle.

He nodded and ran in the opposite direction, my eyes fixed on him as he made his way to the other man who appeared ready to board the plane.

I turned my attention to Kyle whose eyes were fixed on her tablet

"Get me my breakfast," I said taking my seat back on the chairs

She glanced at me before unzipping my duffel bag to get me my usual breakfast. It's a rolled and sliced sandwich that contains vegetables, cheese, and hummus.

I was halfway into my food when the man nervously sauntered towards me, his forehead glittering with sweat

I raised my eyebrow at him when he stood with his hands crossed in front of him without talking

"I...I tried but he...he refused ma'am and he's leaving soon" he stuttered

"Did you mention who I am?"

"Y...yes, I did" he stuttered again

I dropped the foil and gulped down my water, my appetite disappearing immediately and I could feel anger rise inside me.

Nobody, I mean nobody has ever refused me. I am always the one to say no not the other way round and this unknown person refused me even after knowing my identity?

"Lead me to him," I said, rising from my seat

~

We made our way to the other man who was standing in front of a helicopter. His brown hair moved with the wind. I noticed he was on his phone as the phone was pressed to his right ear. He turned his head towards me when I stood in front of him, finally acknowledging my presence.

If I thought the man was tall from afar, then I sure wasn't expecting him to be taller when closer to him. I feel intimidated, like an insect in front of him while he looks down at me through his sunshade as he continues talking to the person on the other line.

I dislike tall people, their height makes me feel small. That was the reason I fired my last assistant when Kain fell sick because she was taller than me even with my 5-inch heel.

The man brought the phone from his ear, his eyebrows raised. I cleared my throat, and faced him confidently, but couldn't see his eyes behind shaded sunglasses. Despite that, he's undeniably attractive. I bet his eyes are just as gorgeous.

I stretched out my hand for a handshake, "Hi, I'm Paris Adam." I introduced myself while he just stood, eyeing me through his dark sunshades.

He didn't say anything for a while and I was going to retrieve my hand when his rough hand clasped around mine sending a sweet shiver down my spine. That's strange, I thought

"Constantine Donovan," he said, his voice soft and husky. We held on to each other's hand with me staring up at his shielded eyes and him staring down at me with a smirk dancing around his lips revealing a tiny dimple. My knee buckled at the beauty. How I love dimples but I wasn't gifted one.

I let go of his hand and cleared my throat, "I need a ride" I informed him

Paris POV

He raised his eyebrow "Oh! And who might you be?"

I couldn't help but scoff at his question. "I'm Paris," I replied with unwavering confidence, flipping my hair to the back.

As a well-known figure, I was surprised that he didn't recognize me. Or maybe he was pretending not to, but I couldn't decipher as the sunshade hid his eyes

He raised his brow and I huffed, running a finger through my hair away from my face. "I'm in a tight spot here. The pilot who was supposed to fly me out is sick, and I need to get to my destination as soon as possible," I explained

He crossed his arms, a smirk playing on his lips as he looked down at me again through his shade. I so much wish to hit that away from his annoyingly gorgeous face

"Sorry princess, I'm not in the mood to share my ride. Find another solution" he said, turning to the chopper

Princess? I can't help but believe he said that to mock me. It's not a compliment. Who the hell does he think he is? I don't think he knows who I am

"Excuse you. My name is Paris and like I said, I am desperately in need of a ride. I wouldn't be here if the owner did his work diligently" I glare at the owner who quickly averts his eyes, releasing a fake cough

"That's none of my business" he deadpanned. I scoffed, unable to conceal my annoyance anymore. I mean I've been acting nice while he kept acting rude

"Do you have any idea who I am?

"Am I supposed to know?" He asked and I gasped

"Well if you knew, you would be shivering by now.."

"Is that a threat?" He asked, cutting me off while I stood flustered, staring at his face.

"I don't care about who you are or what you own and what you are capable of. Doesn't change the fact that I'm not sharing my ride"

Fuck it. I hate this man, the fact that he has a comeback to everything I say and doesn't feel threatened only fuels my anger.

"Fine, I will pay you. How much do you want?" I asked, reaching out my hand to Kyle for my phone. From my peripheral vision, I could see her already rummaging through my bag for my phone

"I don't need your money, lady. You need to learn that not everyone can be bought. So if you don't mind, I have a plane to fly"

I retrieve my hand and open my mouth to say something rude again but Kyle's voice cuts me off

"Please sir, we're sorry for inconveniencing you. We found out you both are going to the same location which was why we demanded to share your ride. Miss Paris does not have the privilege to wait as it's an important trip which would benefit the company and mostly the employees. Please just this once, I promise she won't be sharing your ride on her way back" she pleaded

I narrowed my eyes on her. What does she mean by my trip will benefit the company and the employees? Could she indirectly be insulting me in front of this dumbhead?

"Alright"

My head snaps to the man, bewildered. Did he just agree to share his ride? Just like that? He could have just said yes to me when I asked instead of playing hard to get

"Oh my God. Thank you so much, sir. You're a lifesaver" Kyle squealed, smiling up at the man

I glare at her, from her hands holding the man's arm to the man smiling down at her. How sickening!

Both the owner and Kyle thanked him. Kyle quickly put my duffle into the helicopter before turning to face me with a smile

"Safe journey, ma'am," she said, grinning from ear to ear, unfazed by my glare.

She looked so thrilled that I was tempted to stay back and witness the transition from excitement to something else. However, I reluctantly handed her my car key and told her to park it at my penthouse without a scratch.

As soon as she left, I turned towards the chopper. The man was standing opposite it with his hands in his pockets. I'm still not sure if he was looking at me or something else. not

I made my way to the chopper which was challenging to climb while wearing heels. Suddenly, someone touched my butt and pushed me upward, causing me to land on the seat with a squeal. I turned to glare at the man who had a smirk on his face. Did he...?

"Did you just grab my butt" I seeth

He shrugs and rounds the helicopter. He settled on his seat and I glared at him

"I was only helping"

I scoffed "You called that helping. You grabbed my butt, you annoying piece of a jerk" I said through gritted teeth.

He ignored me once again while he focused on flying the helicopter. The helicopter shook as it levitated off the ground, I perched out of the window to see the owner waving at us and I rolled my eyes. How sickening

As we lifted off, my eyes roamed the helicopter interior. It looks cramped and old, I wouldn't have booked it if I knew it was like this. I was hoping for something spacious and convenient and classy

"I should have gone with my private jet instead of subduing myself to this bullshit" I muttered, aware the man beside me can hear but as usual, he didn't give a reply so I turn my gaze towards him

"This helicopter is cramped. Couldn't you have booked something more spacious"

"It was spacious and convenient until you intruded."

I glare at him before settling back in my seat but I can't help talking again. The guy just brings out another side of me. He's rude and it annoys me

"I hope you don't plan on speaking to me during this flight; I can't stand the sound of unnecessary conversations"

He raised an eyebrow, "Noted"

That's all?

"And I also hope you're not expecting any gratitude for allowing me to share your ride. I don't do gratitudes."

He smirked, "Don't worry, I'm not expecting anything from you."

I scoffed, "Good".

I settled back into my seat, plugged my AirPods into my ear, then closed my eyes. Let's just pretend this annoying nobody is seated beside me for a while.