chapter one: collide with fate
The rain poured in heavy sheets, soaking through Isabella’s worn-out coat as she sprinted down the street. She was late. Again.
The café had been unusually busy that morning, leaving her behind schedule for her evening shift at the restaurant. She barely had time to catch her breath before rushing out again, forcing her exhausted body forward despite the cold and the downpour.
Her boss didn’t tolerate lateness. He wouldn’t care that she worked two jobs. He wouldn’t care that she had no umbrella. And he certainly wouldn’t care that she was running on nothing but caffeine. Getting fired wasn’t an option, not when her mother’s hospital bills were piling up like a never-ending mountain.
Isabella pushed forward, blinking against the raindrops clinging to her lashes. The city streets were mostly deserted, the storm keeping people indoors. The only sounds were the drumming rain, the occasional rumble of thunder, and the distant honking of cars.
Then a flash of light. The roar of an engine. Her breath caught.
A sleek, black car cut through the rain, headlights blinding her. Too fast. Too close. Her pulse spiked.
Move, Isabella!
Her mind screamed at her, but her body refused to obey. For a split second, she stood frozen, trapped in the glare of the approaching vehicle.
Tires rolled against the wet pavement. The car skidded to a sudden halt inches from where she stood.
Isabella stumbled back, her breath coming in shaky gasps. Her heart pounded so hard it felt like it might burst through her ribs. Rain-soaked and trembling, she barely had time to recover before the car door swung open with force.
A man stepped out, Tall, Commanding, Dangerous.
He moved with the confidence of someone who owned everything he walked upon. The first thing Isabella noticed was his piercing blue eyes, cold, sharp, and impossibly intense. The kind of gaze that could freeze a person in place, just as she had been moments ago.
His suit, despite the rain, was tailored to perfection around his broad shoulders. Everything about him screamed wealth, power, and arrogance.
His jaw tightened. “Are you blind?”
His voice was deep, rich but edged with irritation.
Isabella’s breath hitched. Did he just?
The shock of nearly dying quickly turned into something hotter, sharper. Anger.
Her fingers curled into fists at her sides. “I’m sorry,” she stammered, still catching her breath. “I wasn’t paying attention.”
She kept her gaze lowered, refusing to let him see just how shaken she was. The last thing she needed was for some rich jerk to think she was weak.
The man scoffed. “Sorry?” His voice was like steel. “If you have a death wish, fulfill it somewhere else. Not in front of my car.”
Isabella’s head snapped up. Unbelievable.
Her shock turned to anger. She had already apologized. What else did he want? Mr. Tall, Rich, and Arrogant clearly thought the world revolved around him.
She exhaled sharply, planting her hands on her hips. “Mr. Rich Man, ever heard of manners? You almost killed me, and you’re blaming me for it?”
Something flickered in his expression, shock. It was gone in an instant, replaced by the same cold look.
“You’re the one who walked onto the road without looking,” he said coolly, adjusting the cuff of his expensive watch. “I saved your life, sweetheart. A little gratitude wouldn’t hurt.”
Sweetheart?
Oh, she was done.
Her whole body burned with frustration. She was late for work, and now this egotistical billionaire was acting like she owed him something?
She let out a bitter laugh. “Wow. I almost died, and I still have to say thank you? Your audacity is breathtaking.”
Before he could respond, she turned on her heel and stormed away, her soaked shoes splashing through puddles.
The stranger’s cold gaze followed her, his jaw ticking as she disappeared into the rain. He scoffed under his breath, shaking his head as he slid back into his car.
“I hope I never see her again.”
Miles ahead, Isabella muttered under her breath, shivering as she neared the restaurant. “God forbid I ever meet that arrogant jerk again.”
Little did they know, fate had other plans.
