Twists Of Fate

CHAPTER TEN

“It’s so hard to get an investor isn’t it?” I said looking all frustrated.

“Why can’t someone just see the potential you guys saw in me and just invest in my dying business?”

My friends were there, not my friends, they were my comforter and my family. These two ladies have always been there for me.

Aviva was scrolling through her phone, listing potential investors, while Kylie made notes on her tablet. The determination in their eyes was comforting, but I knew the road ahead was tough.

"I've reached out to several potential investors, but responses have been sparse," Aviva stated, frustration edging her voice.

"The ones that did respond aren't really interested in taking a risk on a struggling experience," Kylie added, tapping her pen thoughtfully.

"I just don't get it," I blurted out, unable to contain my frustration. "Our business has so much potential, and we've worked so hard to get here. Why can't they see that?"

Aviva placed a comforting hand on mine. "It's a tough market out there. Investors want a sure thing, something with a proven track record. We just need to keep trying."

Kylie nodded in agreement. "Absolutely. We'll find someone who sees the value in what we're doing. We just have to keep pushing."

I appreciated their support, but the reality of our situation loomed large.

I wanted to pour my heart out about the challenges, but something held me back, perhaps the fear of appearing weak in front of my closest friends. That’s not true, they’ve seen me in my darkest moments.

Only if they were male, I wouldn’t mind proposing to them both.

As we delved deeper into our discussion, strategizing on ways to present our venture more attractively, the conversation took an unexpected turn.

"So, Emily," Kylie said, a playful smile on her face. "How about Marcus? You didn’t give us details.”

"Let's focus on the business, guys. That's what matters right now." I said not looking up to my friends.

Aviva nudged me gently, a teasing glint in her eyes. "Oh, come on, spill the beans! Are we witnessing the start of a love story?"

Heat rose to my cheeks, and I stumbled over my words. "N-no, it's not like that. Marcus is just a friend, helping us out during a tough time."

Kylie leaned back with a sly grin. "Hmm, 'just a friend'? He seemed like much more than that during your little stargazing moment."

I shook my head, attempting to divert the conversation back to our struggling business. "Seriously, let's not get distracted. We have bigger concerns right now."

Aviva and Kylie exchanged knowing looks, clearly enjoying my discomfort.

“Little miss, let us know.”

“I said I’m not interested!” I said loudly!

“Okay!” They both said raising their hands in surrender.

"We're here for you, Em," Kylie assured, her smile now comforting. "In business and, apparently, matters of the heart too."

I saw her teasing eyes, I rolled my eyes.

Though I appreciated their support, I felt a pang of anxiety. I had enough on my plate, and the last thing I needed was to navigate the uncharted waters of a potential romance.

We refocused on our work, redirecting the conversation to our business strategies, yet the lingering mention of Marcus left me with an unsettling sense of foreboding.

I knew I had to sort out my feelings and priorities, but the path ahead seemed increasingly complex.

Just as we were deep into brainstorming ideas, a sharp knock echoed through the room, making us all jump. The atmosphere grew tense, and I exchanged nervous glances with Aviva and Kylie.

“I’m not expecting anyone,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

Kylie, ever the brave one, moved towards the door cautiously. “Should I… open it?”

Before any of us could answer, the door burst open, revealing a frantic Marcus. His eyes held fear and urgency.

“Emily, you need to see this,” he said, his voice barely steady.

My heart raced, my friends and I exchanged glances as I followed him to the window.

He pointed outside, and my eyes widened with disbelief. On the once tranquil street, chaos unfolded. People were running, screaming. Smoke billowed from a nearby building.

How come we didn’t notice anything?

“What’s happening?” I whispered, my voice caught in my throat.

Marcus turned to me, his expression grave. “I don’t know, but it’s spreading fast. We need to leave. Now.”

Fear clenched my heart.

I couldn’t ask him questions any further.

“We can’t just stand here,” Marcus urged, his voice urgent. “We need to leave. Now.”

My thoughts raced as I grabbed my bag, hastily shoving in my essentials. Aviva and Kylie were already at the door, their faces a mix of fear and concern.

“Emily, hurry!” Aviva called out.

As we rushed out, the air outside was thick with panic. The distant wail of sirens grew louder, amplifying the chaos that seemed to have consumed the neighborhood.

“Stay close,” Marcus urged, his grip tightening on my arm.

We made our way through the noise, struggling against the tide of frantic people desperately seeking safety. Smoke hung in the air, blurring our vision and stinging our eyes.

My heart pounded, fear gnawing at my insides. What had sparked this sudden catastrophe? Was my hotel in danger too?

“Marcus, what’s happening?” I managed to ask, my voice trembling.

He glanced at me, his eyes reflecting the same uncertainty I felt. “We don’t know. But we need to get to a safe place and find out.”

After what seemed like an eternity, we reached a relatively safer area. The distant wail of fire trucks and ambulances grew louder, blending with the terrified cries of the crowd.

“Let’s get to my car,” Marcus suggested. “We’ll figure out our next move from there.”

We hurried to his car, the panic in the city seemingly intensifying. Marcus started the engine, and as we drove through the chaos, I couldn’t shake the fear that my dreams and everything I had worked for might be reduced to ashes.

The cityscape grew more chaotic by the minute, the fire spreading rapidly, engulfing buildings and homes. I could feel the heat from the flames even inside the car.

“Marcus, my hotel… What if…” My voice faltered, unable to give words to my deepest fears.

He glanced at me, determination in his eyes. “We’ll do everything we can to keep it safe. But right now, we need to prioritize your safety and figure out what’s going on.”

We parked the car at a safe distance and joined the crowd watching the disaster unfold. Flames danced like wild demons, devouring everything in their path.

I clutched my bag tightly, praying that my dreams wouldn’t turn to ashes along with the city.