Chapter 2: An Offer She Couldn't Refuse
922 Words
Ava's knees trembled as she stared at the sleek black Rolls-Royce that had stopped just inches away from her. Rain dripped from her hair onto the pavement while her heart continued to pound violently in her chest.
For a moment, the entire street fell silent.
The driver rushed out of the car.
"Sir, are you alright?" he asked nervously.
The tall man who had stepped from the back seat ignored him. Instead, his sharp eyes remained fixed on Ava.
She had never seen anyone like him before.
He stood over six feet tall, dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit that looked more expensive than everything she owned combined. His dark hair was neatly styled, and his piercing grey eyes carried an authority that made everyone around him instinctively step back.
He looked like a man who was used to getting everything he wanted.
Ava quickly lowered her gaze.
"I'm... I'm sorry," she stammered. "I wasn't paying attention."
The man said nothing.
His silence was somehow more intimidating than anger.
After several seconds, he finally spoke.
"Did the car hit you?"
His deep voice was calm and emotionless.
"No."
"Are you injured?"
She shook her head.
"No."
He nodded once.
"Good."
Without another word, he turned to leave.
Ava blinked in surprise.
That was it?
No shouting.
No threats.
No accusations.
Just one word.
Good.
As he reached the car, she suddenly called after him.
"Wait!"
He stopped.
She hurried forward despite the rain.
"I... I just wanted to thank you for stopping in time."
He looked at her for a brief second.
"My driver has good reflexes."
Then he entered the car.
The door closed.
Seconds later, the luxury vehicle disappeared into the evening traffic.
Ava stood alone beneath the rain once again.
She didn't even know his name.
---
Inside the car, Ethan Blackwood loosened his tie slightly.
Liam, seated opposite him, glanced out the rear window.
"She's still standing there."
Ethan didn't answer.
"There was something unusual about her."
Silence.
Liam smiled faintly.
"Most people would've tried to get compensation after almost being hit by a billionaire's car."
Ethan looked out the window.
"She apologized."
"Exactly."
Liam had worked for Ethan for eight years.
He knew one thing better than anyone.
His boss trusted nobody.
People approached Ethan for only three reasons.
Money.
Power.
Fame.
The young woman in the rain had asked for none of them.
Interesting.
---
Meanwhile, Ava finally made it back to her apartment.
Her shoes squished with every step.
She unlocked the door and found three cardboard boxes sitting outside.
The landlord had already packed some of her belongings.
Her chest tightened.
She unlocked the apartment and walked inside.
It looked emptier than ever.
She slowly packed the last of her clothes into an old suitcase.
Every item reminded her of happier days.
A family photograph.
Her mother's favourite sweater.
A birthday card from years ago.
She hugged the sweater tightly before placing it into the suitcase.
"I miss you, Mom," she whispered.
Her phone vibrated again.
This time it wasn't the bank.
It was her best friend, Lily.
"Ava! Where are you?"
"At home."
"I heard about your apartment."
"It's true."
There was silence.
Then Lily sighed.
"I wish I could help."
"I know."
"I actually called because my company is hosting a charity gala tomorrow night."
Ava frowned.
"A gala?"
"They need temporary waitresses for the evening."
Her eyes widened.
"They're hiring?"
"Only for one night."
"How much?"
"They're paying really well."
Hope flickered inside Ava's heart for the first time in weeks.
"I'll do it."
"You'll have to wear a uniform."
"I don't care."
"You'll be serving some of the richest people in the city."
Ava laughed weakly.
"I've got nothing left to lose."
---
The following evening...
The Grand Imperial Hotel sparkled beneath thousands of golden lights.
Luxury cars lined the entrance.
Celebrities.
Business executives.
Politicians.
Everyone who mattered in the city had gathered for one purpose.
The annual Blackwood Foundation Charity Gala.
Inside the ballroom, chandeliers glittered overhead while a live orchestra filled the room with soft music.
Ava adjusted her waitress uniform nervously.
Lily smiled.
"Relax."
"I'm trying."
"You'll be fine."
"I've never seen this many rich people."
Lily laughed.
"Just smile and don't spill anything."
Easier said than done.
Ava picked up a tray of champagne glasses and began weaving through the crowd.
She kept her head down, determined to survive the evening.
Across the ballroom...
Ethan Blackwood entered.
Every conversation stopped.
Every camera turned.
Whispers spread instantly.
"That's Ethan Blackwood."
"The youngest billionaire."
"He's even more handsome in person."
Ethan ignored them all.
Attention had become part of his daily life.
He neither welcomed it nor enjoyed it.
As he walked through the ballroom, his eyes scanned the room automatically.
Then...
He froze.
Near the centre of the hall stood the same young woman from yesterday.
She was carefully balancing a tray of champagne, completely unaware that he was watching her.
Before he could look away, another waiter accidentally bumped into Ava.
She stumbled.
The tray tilted.
Crystal glasses flew into the air.
Several guests gasped.
Ava closed her eyes, expecting the worst.
But instead of crashing onto the marble floor...
Strong hands caught her before she could fall.
Her eyes slowly opened.
She found herself looking directly into the cold grey eyes she couldn't forget.
Ethan Blackwood.
Again.
Neither of them spoke.
The orchestra continued to play.
The guests watched in stunned silence.
For the second time in two days...
Fate had pushed them together.
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