Chapter 2 : Fateful Encounter

Austin's POV

"I’m really sorry," I managed again, my voice quieter this time.

She took the book from my hand with a sharp huff, her fingers still brushing at the stubborn stain on her shirt, her irritation palpable.

The embarrassment was severe; my clumsiness had ruined her shirt."Your apology isn't going to fix this," she snapped all of a sudden.

Oh great! The city was already just feeling overwhelming, and now I’d managed to offend a stranger in the middle of a crowded restaurant. What a nice impression for a new start, Austin.

"You have to give me your shirt," she demanded firmly, like the embarrassment wasn't enough.

"I'm sorry… what?" I blinked, caught off guard.

"My shirt’s ruined, and I have somewhere important to be," she said, leaving no room for negotiation.

I hesitated, with embarrassment still burned on my cheek, but her glare was unrelenting.

Reluctantly, I pulled off my shirt and handed it to her, feeling completely out of my depth.

She gave a curt nod before disappearing into the restroom. When she returned, now wearing my slightly oversized shirt, she asked for my name.

“Austin… Moore,” I replied, my voice cracking.

She began to write something on a paper and then handed it to me. "Here’s my number in case your shirt doesn’t find its way back to you."

Before I could muster a response, she hurried and strode out of the restaurant, leaving me standing there shirtless and dumb.

By 8 p.m., I was already at the rooftop gathering. The crowd was abuzz with chatter, and I tried to stay out of the spotlight, my mind still on the restaurant encounter.

"Ladies and gentlemen," the organizer’s voice rang out. "It’s an honor to celebrate this milestone. Please welcome Marcus Walker, CEO of Pineapple Tech."

Applause erupted as Marcus took the stage.

"Tonight marks a new chapter as we partner with Blackwood Enterprises. It’s my pleasure to introduce their CEO, Vanessa Hartley."

My heart stopped.

The same woman from the restaurant stepped onto the stage, flanked by two bodyguards.

She's a CEO!!!

And this time, she looked like every powerful woman I have seen on the TV. Her presence on the stage commanded the crowd to stay silent.

Our eyes met briefly, but I looked away. Knowing for sure that she would recognize me.

I really hope she doesn't sue me for the encounter earlier.

"At Blackwood Enterprises, we believe partnerships drive transformation," she began to address the crowd, her voice smooth and confident. "Together, we can achieve more. Thank you for joining us."

The audience broke into applause, but my mind was reeling.

After the event, I gathered my courage and approached her to make things right.

"Austin Moore," she said, clearly remembering me. "I don’t think we’ve formally met."

"Yeah. I didn’t realize I’d bumped into someone so influential earlier. I’m sorry about... everything."

Vanessa smirked, raising a hand. One of her bodyguards handed her a package, which she passed to me. "Thanks for the shirt."

I chuckled nervously. "Appreciate it."

"And you owe me my dinner, don't you?" she teased.

I froze, my mind scrambling. "Right, of course. I just... I’m not sure I can afford anything extravagant."

"Relax," she said with a small smile. "There’s a great Italian place nearby. I’ll be in touch."

A few moments later, we met again at a secluded table in King Carlos Restaurant.

The date was an enchanting blend of humor, vulnerability, and shared intimacy. The chemistry between us was building up, and it feels like this is just the beginning of something extraordinary.

We were in the middle of sharing a story when her phone buzzed on the table. She glanced at it, her expression shifting as she apologized with a small smile.

"Just a second," she said, picking it up.

I tried not to eavesdrop, but her serious tone caught my attention. She hung up, exhaling softly, and for a moment, I saw a bit of sadness in her eyes.

“Is everything alright?” I asked.

She looked at me, her lips parted as if to speak, but she stopped.

“I wanted to tell you earlier" she finally said but quietly “ I'm in a complicated relationship”

“I have a husband but we are divorcing really soon”

The words sank into my ear like a knife. "A husband?" I repeated, my voice barely above a whisper.

She nodded, her gaze dropping to the table. “I didn’t mention him earlier. I’m sorry.”

My stomach churned as I leaned back in my chair. This night was just so perfect moments ago, and now I feel a little bit betrayed.

“I didn’t know you were married,” I said finally. “What a bummer!”

‘‘He’s... not someone I want to talk about.’’She admitted, her tone was low, almost trembling. ‘‘Let’s just say he’s not a good person.’’

The sadness in her eyes was something I couldn't ignore.

"I’m sorry to hear that," I said gently. "You truly deserve someone who values you."

I reached across the table and gently placed my hand over hers, and to my surprise, she didn't let go. Her shoulders were relaxed, as if I had just lifted a weight from her.

"Thank you, Austin," she whispered, her smile touched with emotion.

The world around us faded. I leaned in, and she met me halfway. Our lips brushed hesitant at first, then deepening.

Then.

A chill swept through the air.

A shadow came to our table and stood beside Vanessa; his skin was pale and unnatural. Dark, long, hair fell over one of his eyes, leaving the other, piercing blue eye staring at us intently. He was dressed in a tailored black suit.

"Vanessa," the man said smoothly. "I didn’t expect to find you here."

Vanessa stood up, her tone cool and detached. "Leonardo. You’re back earlier than I thought."

"It seems I’ve interrupted something," Leonardo said, his cold gaze shifting to me. "Shall we go home, Vanessa?"

She straightened, her gaze hardening as she looked at Leonardo. ‘I’m not yours to control anymore”

Leonardo’s calm compusure faded as he grabbed her arm, his grip tight enough to convey dominance. "You’re still my wife, Vanessa. Don’t forget that."

I stood abruptly, my anger outweighing my fear, as I couldn't stand this disrespectful act. "Hey mister, She is not going anywhere."

Leonardo’s eyes darkened as he turned to me. "And who are you to tell me otherwise?"

"Someone who won’t let you treat her like that,"

Leonardo’s sneer deepened. In a flash, he seized me by the throat, lifting me off the ground with inhuman strength and I began to choke.

I pushed against his arm, but it was not use.

My limbs felt weak and useless and my vision blurred.

Panic surged through me.

Am I going to die from the grip of this monster?