Written by Fate

Episode 2: An unexpected offer

I had stood there after Ethan Williams had walked away from me for a long time. I had in my hand still, the handkerchief that was once in his pocket, a handkerchief that was wrapped around my cut, my fingers twitching with the impossibility of it all. Around me the murmuring grew louder.

"Did you see that?

"He actually smiled at her."

"Impossible."

"That's Ethan Williams.

He never smiles."

The earth felt like it should just swallow me whole and spit out ashes.

Apologizing profusely to the event's manager, I continued the work, yet every few moments, my mind went back to that mysterious billionaire.

What had made him so kind?

What had made him not rage with fury.

The event finally came to an end near midnight. Completely drained, I changed out of my uniform and headed home. Walking into the apartment, I saw that Daniel had fallen asleep on the couch surrounded by his books.

Mom was still up though. "You're home, sweetheart." I offered her my tired smile.

"Long day."

Her eyes traveled to my bandage. "What happened?

"Oh, just a little accident." I sat down beside her and placed the money in her hand. Her eyes misted over.

"Sophia, you shouldn't carry everything on your own."

"I know, Mom."

I really did. I had no other choice.

The next morning, I went back to the café. It was all quite normal until my manager rushed out.

"Sophia!"

"Yes?"

"Someone is here to see you."

"Me?" I asked in disbelief. I had never had a visitor. I walked out to see a man in a sharp black suit standing beside a luxurious car that could have driven out of a movie scene.

"Miss Sophia Carter?"

"Yes."

He extended an envelope.

"My name is Mr. James Parker. Mr. Ethan Williams has requested your presence."

My hand flew up to cover my open mouth.

"Ethan Williams?"

"Yes." My eyes darted towards him," There must be some kind of mistake."

What could a man as rich as him possibly want with me?" "You might want to read the letter." My trembling fingers opened the envelope.

It was a card.

Miss Sophia Carter, I owe you an apology for interrupting your work last night. I would appreciate it if you could join me for lunch today at one o'clock. — Ethan Williams. I gasped.

Lunch?

With Ethan Williams?

"No, that can't be right."

Mr. Parker smiled a small, knowing smile.

"It is."

I swallowed dryly, "I—I'm busy today." "We've already spoken to your manager."

"What?"

"He's agreed to give you the afternoon off."

I blinked, even my manager had agreed?

This was beyond bizarre. Promptly at one o'clock, the sleek luxury car pulled up to a stunning restaurant, I realized my simple dress was practically shining in contrast, making me feel so out of place. Mr. Parker opened the door for me, and with a hesitant breath, I walked inside.

And there he was. Ethan Williams. He rose from his seat the moment he saw me. He looked even better today, handsome, powerful, dressed in that perfect black suit. His gray eyes were calm.

"Miss Carter." He'd remembered my name.

I froze. "Mr. Williams."

He gave a faint smile, "Please, have a seat."

I slid into the plush seat, all around me was expensively elegant, and I was scared to touch anything, in case I broke it.

"Relax," he said, his eyes flicking between my hands as they clutched each other.

"I'm trying." He let out a soft chuckle, "I've noticed."

A waiter approached.

"What would you like?"

I glanced at the menu and nearly had a stroke.

The prices were absurdly inflated.

"Order anything you want." he said, noticing my panicked state, "No, I'm fine."

"Sophia." That sent an odd warmth through my chest.

"Please."

I timidly ordered a very small and simple dish.

There was a tense silence between us.

"So..."

I started tentatively, "Why am I here?"

He leaned back in his seat, "Because I wanted to thank you."

I blinked," Thank me?"

"Yes."

I laughed a little nervously, "I'm the one who spilled drink on your suit. "

"And apologized ten times," he replied, making me smile again. His expression turned serious suddenly. "You know, everyone I meet wants money, fame, connections."

His gray eyes held mine steady. "And then you spilled that drink, and instead of trying to impress me or make excuses, all you cared about was apologizing." I looked down at my lap.

"I'm nothing special."

"No, you are wrong."

His voice was soft, "You are different."

For the life of me, my cheeks felt flushed. No one had ever looked at me that way. Suddenly, his phone rang, his entire demeanor shifting into one of cold, serious concentration.

"Yes?" His face darkened with each word that came from the phone.

"No."

He stood up abruptly.

"What is it?"

I asked anxiously.

He sighed, "Trouble."

Before he could utter another word, a stunning woman, who attracted every eye, entered the restaurant. She walked directly towards us with an air of unshakable confidence and threw her arms around him.

"Darling, I've missed you so much."

I watched as Ethan's face hardened, the beautiful woman flashed a smile at me before turning back to him. "Aren't you going to introduce me to your new plaything?" My stomach plummeted.

Who was she?

And why was she calling him darling?

Then Ethan opened his mouth and said something that stunned me into silence. "Sophia," he began, his voice laced with cold anger.

"This is Victoria Blake."

My eyes widened in disbelief as he delivered the final blow, "My ex-fiancé." And by the malevolent gleam in Victoria's eyes, I knew there was no peace coming her way.