EPISODE 2:THE RIDE HOME
629 Words
Outside, the rain had become even heavier.
Isabella stood under the hotel’s entrance, watching the empty road.
“My phone is dead,” she sighed. “And there isn’t a single taxi.”
She pulled her coat tighter around herself before stepping into the rain.
Just then, a sleek black Rolls-Royce stopped beside her.
The back window rolled down.
Alexander Kingston looked at her.
“You’re still here?”
She smiled awkwardly.
“I was hoping a taxi would pass by.”
“In this weather?”
She laughed softly.
“I know… it doesn’t seem likely.”
Alexander opened the car door.
“Get in. I’ll take you home.”
She hesitated.
“I don’t want to trouble you.”
“It isn’t any trouble.”
After a few seconds, she nodded.
“Thank you.”
She got into the car, and the driver pulled away from the hotel.
For a while, neither of them spoke.
Alexander finally broke the silence.
“So… tell me about yourself.”
“There isn’t much to tell,” Isabella replied with a smile.
“I work at the Grand Royale Hotel, and when I’m not working, I’m at home with my mother and younger brother.”
“You take care of them?”
“Yes.”
“What about your father?”
Her smile faded slightly.
“He passed away five years ago.”
“I’m sorry.”
“It’s alright,” she said quietly. “Life hasn’t been easy since then, but we’ve managed.”
Alexander admired her strength.
Most people he met talked about money and success.
Isabella talked about family.
“So what do you dream of?” he asked.
She looked out the window.
“I want to own my own event planning company someday.”
Alexander smiled.
“I think you will.”
She looked at him, surprised.
“You really think so?”
“I’ve built businesses my entire life. I know determination when I see it.”
His words made her smile.
No one had ever believed in her dream before.
A few minutes later, the car stopped in front of a modest apartment building.
“This is my home.”
Alexander looked outside.
It wasn’t luxurious, but it looked warm and welcoming.
Isabella opened the door.
“Thank you for bringing me home.”
“Wait.”
She turned back.
Alexander took a business card from his wallet and handed it to her.
“If you ever need anything… call me.”
She accepted it politely.
“I don’t think someone like me will ever need to call someone like you.”
He smiled.
“You never know.”
She smiled back.
“Goodnight, Mr. Kingston.”
“Goodnight, Isabella.”
She watched as the car drove away before walking into her apartment.
Inside, her mother was waiting in the living room.
“You’re home late,” she said.
“The gala finished later than expected.”
Her mother noticed the smile on her face.
“What happened?”
Isabella laughed.
“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”
“Try me.”
“I met Alexander Kingston tonight.”
Her mother’s eyes widened.
“The billionaire?”
“Yes.”
“And he brought me home.”
Her mother stared at her for a moment before laughing.
“I think fate has just introduced you to someone important.”
Isabella smiled, shaking her head.
“It was just one ride home.”
But deep down…
She couldn’t stop thinking about him.
And across the city, Alexander sat in the back of his car, looking at the empty seat where Isabella had been sitting only moments before.
For the first time in years…
He was looking forward to seeing someone again.
- Writer
