Pleasant Persuasion

Chapter 3

Ugh! Is it possible that I will never have a day without problems? The only thing I had in mind was to go see my friend, who is getting married soon, and spend the evening catching up. However, mother nature chose to wreck my day with torrential rain and thunderstorms, as luck would have it.

I had to abandon my trip plans for my own safety and spend the night in a lodge that just so happened to be on my route. Even while the trip from Brooklyn to Manhattan wasn't particularly long, it was nevertheless taxing. Since I had been waiting for a taxi when the rain started, I was already soaked..

I stretched a little once I was inside the lodge room and went to my suitcase for a fresh set of dry clothes. I heard a tap on the door as I was ready to change. I put the clothing on the bed and unlocked the door, letting out a sigh as I did so, only to be greeted by the most unexpected sight.

The men from Erad, my loan sharks, were standing there with devious grins on their unfavourable features. One of the three men scoffed, "Did you really think you could escape without repaying our boss' money?"

"I-I wasn't attempting to flee. I tried to sound confident by saying, "I came here for some business, but I'm actually afraid.

"Whatever. Another one played with a blade, taunting, "You either return the boss' money right now, or we have orders to bring you to him, dead or alive."

Why do you say that? I stumbled, taking an unintentional step back out of dread. "I've already given the money for this month," I said. "Where do I get more supposed to come from?"

They all moved towards me at once, saying, "That's not our concern," and I felt like my life was passing before my eyes.

No! I can't go down now. I should have a little more time on earth. My eyes flew across the space before settling on a water bottle set on the nightstand. I grabbed it, opened the top, and tossed the water at them, making them cringe as I did it instinctively. I took the chance and dashed past them out of the room. They quickly began to pursue me, and I soon found myself frantically running in circles with nowhere to go.Those goons were getting closer and closer to me as I entered another wing of the lodge. I frantically looked for a spot to hide after realising I couldn't keep going without getting caught. Fortunately, one of the doors I tried to open along the way wasn't locked.

While struggling for breath, I stormed into the room and quickly locked the door. I closed my eyes and leaned against the door, trying to calm down and collect myself.

I'm sorry. I was startled out of my reverie by a deep, wearied voice. I pushed my hair back, opened my eyes, and found myself once more out of breath. I came face to face with a man who had the features of a Greek god, with piercing blue eyes, a wonderfully chiselled body, and no shirt on. I was transfixed for a moment by his beautiful face and lean physique.

He arched an eyebrow when our eyes met, jolting me out of my reverie. He then crossed his arms over his chest. I spoke up to try to get out of the embarrassing situation. I genuinely apologise. Truth be told, I needed to hide and barged into your room. We assumed the goons had left when the hallway became silent a short while later. He went out of his way to look for me in the hallway and insisted on walking me to my room even though it seemed secure. I was going to turn towards my wing when, to my dismay, I saw those thugs standing at my room's door. I instinctively hid behind the wall in a fit of panic, unwittingly trapping myself there between the wall and Mr. Generous Greek God. I felt a variety of things while we were close together, but the overwhelming horror overpowered them all.

I started crying as he dragged me back into his room because I had lost control of my emotions. Why did I have to live such a chaotic life? I put in a lot of effort at my nine-to-five job as an event planner, where I made just enough money to pay my rent and a fraction of Philip's debt. It didn't really matter that I worked at a café part-time at night. I was a twenty-two year old battling through life with no one by my side, no help or support, no one I could rely on.

I brushed away my tears as I felt the bed next to me slowly sway. I sipped the water he gave me while feeling helplessly looking down at the ground.

"I'll stop them from hurting you”. He held my hand and said, "You'll be safe as long as you're with me. I felt comforted as those words escaped his mouth as I gazed into his eyes. Those remarks made me feel things I had been repressing for a long time. My breathing became faster, and I felt warm. I felt a sense of security that I hadn't experienced in a long time, and my eyes started to well up with tears, which I blinked away before they could start to fall. I thanked him and said I was sorry for being such a bother, but he only smiled comfortingly. To my amazement, they handled the goons' matter quickly and voluntarily once he contacted management to resolve it.

"How is it possible that this night could get any worse?" I thought, and then I began to sneeze nonstop like if fate were responding in kind. Exceptionally good. My cold had set in. I remembered that I had left my room card in my own room when Mr. Kind King advised that I change into something more appropriate.

I bit my lip in embarrassment as he said, "Woman, you seem to be a magnet for problems." After making a few more calls, he successfully handled the room card matter, bought hot coffee for the two of us, and resolved the problem.

My shaking and sneezing persisted unabatedly in spite of the heater's increased warmth and the warm coffee. It seems that leaving my wet garments behind was the best and only option. I had no choice but to change into a bathrobe I had pulled out of his room's wardrobe. The ambiance of the room abruptly changed as I came out of the wardrobe. I started to feel a little self-conscious and the air between us felt heavy and thick.

After a long period of awkward silence, the manager finally arrived and informed us that everything had been resolved. We lingered outside the door before moving on to my room to express our gratitude.

"Thank you and once more, I'm sorry. I felt guilty as I grinned at him and said, "I've caused you so much difficulty. He responded, "I'm delighted I could be of use. I turned back around as I was about to enter my room after having an idea. Please tell me the name of my saviour.

He smiled and replied, "Viru". It was as if he had also realised that we hadn't even exchanged names. Muzirathi Viru, he said extensively. I also greeted him by saying, "Angelina Philips," and offered him a handshake, which he enthusiastically accepted. We parted ways, and I went back to my room to prepare for the evening.

I am Viru Muzirathi. Before I fell asleep, it was the last thought on my mind.

The high-pitched voice I was familiar with cried, "Angelina Philips!" As soon as I turned to face the source, a broad grin appeared on my face. But as soon as I caught a glimpse of her glaring at me, it vanished.