Only me

Writing Chapter One: The Rolex Lucy Bennett had always been comfortable with an ordinary life. At twenty years old, she lived alone in a small apartment across the city. She came from a middle-class family, and although her parents had always supported her, Lucy wanted independence. She studied at university, worked part-time, and carefully managed her money. Lucy was beautiful without trying to be. She had long, dark-brown hair, warm brown eyes, delicate features, and a gentle smile. She preferred simple clothes, so that afternoon she wore a cream blouse, dark trousers, white sneakers, and small gold earrings. She was making breakfast when her phone rang. It was her mother. “Hi, Mum.” “Good morning, darling. Are you busy today?” “Not really. Why?” “I need you to do me a favor.” Lucy smiled. “I knew there was a reason you called.” Her mother laughed. “I ordered something from the mall, and it is ready for collection.” “What did you order?” “A watch.” “What kind?” “A Rolex.” Lucy nearly dropped her phone. “A Rolex?” “Yes.” “Mum, since when do we casually buy Rolex watches?” “It is a gift. Please collect it for me.” Lucy sighed dramatically. “Fine. Send me the details.” Her mother reminded her to be careful with the expensive watch before ending the call. An hour later, Lucy arrived at the biggest shopping mall in the city. She followed the signs to the luxury section and stopped outside the Rolex boutique. She took a breath. “Collect the watch and go home,” she whispered. Inside, a sales associate greeted her. “Good afternoon. How may I help you?” “I’m here to collect a watch for my mother.” Lucy gave her name and receipt. The employee checked the computer. “Yes, Miss Bennett. It is ready. Please have a seat.” Lucy sat near a glass display and tried not to stare at the watches. Some were beautiful, but their prices made her quickly look away. Then the boutique doors opened. A young man entered. Lucy glanced up. He was tall and handsome, with neatly styled black hair, sharp features, broad shoulders, and dark eyes that seemed permanently impatient. He wore an immaculate black suit and an expensive watch. He looked about twenty-one. Two people followed him, including an assistant and a security guard. The employees immediately became more attentive. The young man walked toward a display. “I asked for the black-dial model.” “Yes, Mr. Cross,” the manager replied. “We’re preparing it now.” “You said it was ready.” “It is. We only need to complete the verification.” “Then do it.” Lucy recognized the surname. Adrian Cross. She had heard of him. He was a twenty-one-year-old billionaire who had built a powerful business empire. Newspapers often described him as brilliant, ruthless, and difficult. Lucy returned her attention to the display. Unfortunately, Adrian noticed her. “Are you finished?” Lucy looked around. “Excuse me?” “You’re standing in front of the display.” She glanced behind herself. There was plenty of space. “You could say please.” Adrian stared at her. “I could.” Lucy frowned. She moved aside anyway. “There.” “Thank you.” His voice sounded cold rather than grateful. Lucy quietly muttered, “Someone needs an attitude adjustment.” Adrian turned. “What did you say?” “Nothing.” “I heard you.” Lucy looked directly at him. “I said nothing.” “You should be careful.” “And you should be careful how you speak to people.” The boutique became silent. Adrian looked surprised. Most people were nervous around him. Lucy wasn’t. “You don’t know me,” he said. Lucy shrugged. “You’re right. And I don’t think I want to.” Before he could answer, the sales associate returned with a black Rolex box. “Miss Bennett, your mother’s watch.” Lucy immediately turned away from Adrian. “Thank you.” She signed the collection form and carefully placed the box inside her handbag. She checked the zipper twice. Then she headed toward the door. Adrian was leaving at the same time. They nearly bumped into each other. Lucy stepped back. “Sorry.” Adrian frowned. “Watch where you’re going.” Lucy stared at him. “You walked into me.” “You should have moved.” She couldn’t believe him. “You know what? Never mind.” She walked away. Adrian watched her disappear into the mall. His assistant approached. “You have finally met someone who isn’t impressed by you.” Adrian gave him a warning look. “Don’t start.” The assistant smiled. “Yes, sir.” Lucy went to a nearby café and bought a cold drink. She sat near the window and checked her phone. Her mother had messaged. Did you get the watch? Lucy replied. Yes. It is safe. She put her phone away. For several minutes, everything was peaceful. Then someone stopped beside her table. She looked up. Adrian. Her smile disappeared. “Are you following me?” “No.” “Then what do you want?” “I lost something.” “What?” “My card holder. I think I left it in the boutique.” Lucy shrugged. “Then ask the employees.” “I did. They couldn’t find it.” “I can’t help you.” Adrian looked at her handbag. “Open it.” Lucy stared at him. “Excuse me?” “I want to check.” “No.” His expression hardened. “Why not?” “Because you’re a stranger, and you have no right to search through my things.” “I asked politely.” Lucy laughed. “That was polite?” Before he could respond, something slipped from the side pocket of Lucy’s handbag. A black card holder fell onto the floor. Both stared at it. Adrian picked it up. Lucy looked shocked. “I have no idea how that got there.” Adrian studied her suspiciously. “Are you accusing me of stealing?” “I didn’t say that.” “You didn’t have to.” He slipped the card holder into his pocket. Lucy shook her head. “You could apologize.” “For what?” “For looking at me like I robbed you.” Adrian sighed. “Sorry.” She blinked, surprised. “Okay. I accept.” She picked up her handbag and walked away. Adrian watched her disappear into the crowd. His assistant approached. “She really doesn’t like you.” “I noticed.” For some reason, Adrian found himself smiling. Neither knew it yet, but their strange meeting was only the beginning..