Chapter 3: A chanced encounter
1263 Words
Paul’s POV
Paul sat in his luxurious living room, surrounded by his friends Ben and Alex. He had called them over to discuss the contents of his father’s will, which his lawyer, Mr. Thomas, had revealed to him earlier.
“I need to get a master’s degree or a college degree to inherit the West fortune,” Paul explained, frustration etched on his face. “Can you believe it? My dad always knew I wasn’t the academic type.”
Ben and Alex burst into a fit of laughter. “A master’s degree? You didn’t even complete college!” Alex choked out between guffaws.
Paul’s face darkened. “I called you guys here to help, not to tell me what I already know. I need to figure out how to get around this condition.”
Ben, still chuckling, held up his hands. “Chill, man, chill. Why don’t you just beg Sophia to get back with you? That’s the easiest solution. You two were together for eight years; she’s probably still got feelings for you.”
Paul’s expression turned disgusted. “Me, Paul West, the only heir to the West fortune, beg? Why would I beg her after she publicly humiliated me? I’d rather die than grovel at her feet.”
Alex chimed in, “Alright, if you don’t want to beg, why don’t you go back to college and get a degree? It’s not like you’re getting any younger.”
Ben added, “Yeah, or even a master’s! Can you imagine? Paul West, the college graduate.”
The two friends erupted into another round of laughter. Paul’s irritation grew. “If you guys know you’re not going to help me, then just leave,” Paul said, pointing to the door.
Alex held up his hands. “Chill, relax, man. We’re just trying to lighten up the mood.”
Ben jumped in, “Yeah, just beg Sophia. You don’t have to mean it. Buy her some pretty flowers, get an orchestra to play some music…just like usual. That always works.”
Ben’s suggestion was met with more laughter. Paul shook his head, sinking back into his chair, lost in thought.
Anna’s POV
Anna’s hands trembled as she washed plates and threw away garbage in the back of Bistro Bliss. Normally, she worked as a waiter, but today she had volunteered to take on the less glamorous tasks to avoid interacting with customers.
The threatening call and letter from Luke had left her on edge, constantly looking over her shoulder, wondering if someone was following her.
As she scrubbed a stubborn stain on a plate, her friend and coworker, Rachel, walked into the kitchen. “Hey, Anna, what’s going on? You’ve been acting strange all day.”
Anna forced a weak smile. “I’m just tired, that’s all.”
Rachel raised an eyebrow. “Tired? You’re always energetic, even after a long shift. Something’s bothering you.”
Anna shook her head, trying to reassure Rachel. “Really, it’s nothing. Just a long day.”
Rachel looked unconvinced but didn’t push the issue. “Okay, if you’re sure you’re fine…but if you need to talk, I’m here for you.”
Anna nodded, grateful for Rachel’s concern.
As Anna’s coworker, Rachel, exited the kitchen, Anna’s phone rang. She hesitated, her heart racing, before picking up.
“Hello?” Anna answered, her voice trembling.
Luke’s menacing voice sent chills down her spine. “I’m coming for my money. Make sure it’s ready.”
Anna’s eyes widened in terror. She dropped the phone, her body shaking uncontrollably.
“I…I can’t breathe,” Anna stammered, her vision blurring.
Rachel and the other coworkers rushed to her side. “Anna, breathe! Anna, breathe!” they chorused.
But Anna couldn’t respond. Her eyes rolled back, and she crumpled to the floor, fainting.
The kitchen erupted into chaos as Anna’s friends and coworkers tried to revive Anna.
Paul’s POV
At Sophia’s house, Paul stood in front of Sophia’s house, a grand orchestral band playing her favorite musicals behind him.
He held a bouquet of roses and wore a charming smile as he knocked on the door.
When Sophia opened it, Paul dropped to one knee.
“Sophia, from the moment I met you, I knew you were the one. I can’t eat, sleep or think without you. Please, come back to me. Don’t throw away our eight-year relationship.”
Sophia raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement on her face.
“What do you really want, Paul?”
Paul’s smile faltered for a moment before he recovered.
“That is what I like about you, you know me so well. I need you to marry me to secure my inheritance. I will even give you a share for your cooperation. After that’s done, we will get divorced.”
Sophia chuckled.
“Do you think I care about you or your money? Let me make one thing clear: I’m better off without you, and I’m capable of taking care of myself.”
Paul’s face reddened as Sophia slammed the door shut.
He threw away the bouquet and ordered the orchestra to stop playing.
“Open the gate!” he barked at Sophia’s gateman.
As he stormed off, Paul couldn’t shake off the feeling of humiliation.
He got into his car and drove to the nearest bar, seeking to drown his sorrows.
……………………………………………….………….
Meanwhile, Anna’s coworkers managed to revive her, concerned for her well-being, they convinced her to close work early and rest.
As Anna walked back to her apartment, she felt like someone was following her. Quickening her footsteps, she turned to a corner, and a strange figure appeared, grabbing her hand.
Anna’s eyes widened as she recognized Luke, the loan shark. He was a menacing figure, with a rugged, imposing presence that commanded attention. His sharp jawline and piercing brown eyes seemed to bore into Anna’s soul, making her feel like an insect under a microscope. A distinctive scar above his left eyebrow added to his intimidating aura, hinting at a violent past.
“Where’s my money?” he growled.
Anna tried to scream, but Luke covered her mouth.
“I’ll pay, I’ll pay,” Anna begged. “I still have two days, I promise I’ll pay up in two days.”
Luke’s expression turned ugly.
“You’ve been telling me that for two years. I’m not buying it anymore. Pay up now, or say your last prayers.”
Anna continued to beg, but Luke was unforgiving. As he raised his gun, Anna saw her chance of freedom. She kicked Luke in the groin and ran.
Luke’s men gave chase, firing shots as they pursued Anna. She darted through the crowded streets, desperate to escape.
Just as she thought she’d lost them, Anna collided with a stranger. Apologetic, she looked up to see Paul West, the billionaire playboy, staring back at her.
Paul’s expression was thunderous.
“Can’t you see where you’re going? Do you know who I am?” he demanded.
Anna’s eyes pleaded for help.
“Please, you need to help me. Someone is after me.”
Paul raised an eyebrow.
“Why should I help you? I don’t even know you.”
Anna’s voice was desperate.
“Please, please, I’ll do anything. Just help me.”
As they spoke, shots rang out from behind. Anna’s eyes widened in fear.
“Please, they’re coming. They’re going to kill me.”
Paul’s expression softened, his eyes locked onto Anna’s fearful face. He was moved by the terror in her eyes, despite himself.
“Get in,” he growled, opening the car door.
- Writer
