Twists Of Fate

CHAPTER NINE

"How did it happen?" I questioned the manager, my heart sinking with each word of the message I had received.

It felt like my world had stopped!

How do I manage debt?? It’s not like I have a side money to bank on.

My whole world is ruined.

“The orders we placed, the transporting company had an accident, and all our orders were destroyed.” The manager explained.

I tried to maintain my feelings, I didn’t want to display my weakness in the presence of my worker.

But my head was spinning. Instantly, the thought of getting out of this situation stormed my mind but I couldn’t think of any.

My life investment crumbled in my presence.

My friends saw beyond my few words, they moved closer to calm me down.

Kylie, always perceptive, placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Don’t beat yourself up too much, Emily. We will find a way around this."

I turned to the manager, my eyes wide with dread. "You mentioned debt in the message you sent."

"That’s not all, ma," he added solemnly.

My eyes widened further, and I slowly looked at my two friends, their expressions mirroring my confusion.

"The international company we sold to was dubious. They are not incorporated," he explained, the gravity of the situation sinking in.

I felt the world crumbling around me. "My whole life is gone," I screamed, the pain and frustration escaping in that single moment.

Aviva, the eternal optimist, tried to comfort us. "We'll find a solution. We always do."

Later at home, we gathered around, the weight of our situation pressing down on us. Kylie broke the silence, "I have an idea."

Both Aviva and I turned to her, desperate for a glimmer of hope.

"We can reach out to potential investors," she suggested.

"I don’t think it’s a good one," I said, my doubts clouding my thoughts.

Aviva, ever the encourager, chimed in, "Anyone who sees the potential in you wouldn't think twice before investing."

Kylie affirmed, "Emily, I wouldn't think twice before I invest in you. Have you ever seen yourself?"

Their belief in me was a lifeline. "Thanks, guys."

With newfound determination, we huddled together, tirelessly crafting the perfect pitch for potential investors without wasting time.

Delay, they say, is dangerous. Every second counts.

“How about emphasizing our track record and the lessons we’ve learned?” Kylie suggested, her brows furrowed in concentration.

Aviva nodded, “And we should highlight the market gap we’re addressing. Investors love to see the growth potential.”

The pressure was obvious. We presented our pitch, I felt nervous excitement, and anxiety.

“We have to get this right,” I said, urgency in my voice.

Kylie sighed, studying the list of potential investors. “It’s like finding a needle in a haystack.”

Aviva chimed in, “And we don’t even have an editor to review our proposals yet. We’re doing this on our own.”

“Let’s focus on crafting a compelling story about our journey,” Kylie suggested. “Investors want to believe in the people behind the business.”

The story showcased our determination and the lessons we had learned from our failures.

***

As the night stretched its arms over the city, I found solace in the quietness of a velvet-upholstered chair that Kylie said was going to be the heart of our hotel and where memories would be made.

A figure walked in, it was Marcus standing there, concern in his eyes and an understanding smile.

"I heard about the debt," Marcus said, his voice soft and comforting. "I wanted to check on you."

I offered a weak smile, touched by his gesture. "Thank you, Marcus. It's been… really overwhelming."

He stepped closer, a calming presence. "I can only imagine. But remember, you're not alone in this. We're all here for you."

"It's just hard to see a way out right now," I admitted, my voice betraying the exhaustion and frustration I felt.

He came closer more, his eyes locking onto mine with unwavering support. "You've faced challenges before, Emily. And you've overcome them. This is no different."

His words resonated, stirring something inside me. "I know, but sometimes, it's just... It's difficult."

"Difficult, yes," Marcus acknowledged. "But not impossible. You're strong, Emily. Stronger than you think."

I looked away, distracting myself from his charming presence. It's just... sometimes, I wonder if my dreams are too big for reality."

Marcus placed a gentle hand on my shoulder, it sent a spine down my body, but something still wasn’t feeling the same as I first felt at the club that day.

However, his touch was a reassuring anchor. "Dreams are meant to be big. They're what drives us, what keeps us reaching for something beyond what we can see."

His words were a comforting embrace, and for a moment, the weight on my shoulders seemed to lift.

“Let’s walk up to the rooftop,” Marcus said, stretching out his hand to receive mine.

It was my favorite location of the hotel, the dramatic view of the city.

It was where I said my guests would experience the magic of the city lights.

We got there, the cool breeze gently caressing my body. The faint sounds of the city below whispered through the night

"Do you remember the night we sat here, counting stars?" he asked, his tone soft and reminiscent.

A faint smile touched my lips as I nodded. "Of course, I do. I thought my hotel would flourish then"

Marcus had I haven’t really spent too many times together, but the very few ones count.

I’m feeling this guy, but I’m not letting history repeat itself.

"Exactly," he said, a fondness in his eyes. "You said something that night that has always stayed with me. Each star is a dream. Each dream is a possibility."

I took a deep breath, his words rekindling the ember of hope within me. "Yes, I remember."

"Look at the stars now, Emily," he urged. "Each one represents not just dreams, but also the resilience to shine, even in the darkest of nights. Just like you."

We stood there, side by side, gazing at the starlit sky. The beauty of it was both humbling and inspiring.

"In the grand view of the universe, our troubles are mere little," Marcus said, his voice quiet but certain. "You'll find a way through this, Emily. I have no doubt."

A sense of calm washed over me, his unwavering belief providing the foundation I needed.

In that tranquil moment, I turned to him, my heart heavy with gratitude and newfound courage. "Thank you, Marcus. For being here."

He smiled warmly, his eyes reflecting the starlight. "Always."

The change in the air shifted the mood, an unspoken silence passing between us.

In the silence, he moved closer, our gazes locked in a dance of emotions, a silent conversation.

I stared at his lips trying not to kiss them.

And then, with a tenderness that spoke of friendship and unspoken feelings, we leaned in, our lips brushed against each other.

His lips were soft. He grabbed my waist and pulled me in closer. My hand wandered his back as he grasped.

He slid his hands down my arms and held them without breaking the kiss.

In that kiss, I found reassurance, a glimmer of hope.

everything faded away, leaving only the echoes of our hearts, beating in harmony.

He slipped his tongue in my mouth as I let out a moan. His tongue danced in my mouth. It felt like paradise.

His hands found their way to my back, caressing my skin, I felt the touch in my core. He found his way to my bra, I let out a moan. He stopped there.

He locked eyes with me.

“You want to know what I want? I want you to also want me, even wanting me first before me. Kissing me first. Don’t be careful with me, he said locking eyes with me, “because I won’t be careful with you.

My heart raced faster.

“You can’t hurt me the way you think you can. I understand you have a past. Even if you could hurt me, Emily, I’d rather die with the taste of you on my tongue than live and never touch you again. I love you Emily, and there’s nothing you can do about it.”

I swallowed hard. These are feelings I don’t know if either of us could keep, especially me.

I shook my head and walked away.