Chapter 1 — A Chance Encounter
362 Words
Dubai was a city of endless lights, towering dreams, and fortunes made overnight. Among the men who ruled this glittering skyline, one name stood above the rest—Adrian Khanna.
At thirty-two, Adrian was a self-made billionaire. His technology company had expanded across continents, and his wealth was the subject of business magazines worldwide. Yet despite the luxury cars, penthouse suites, and private jets, Adrian lived a life that felt strangely empty.
His world revolved around numbers, contracts, and boardrooms. Love had never been a priority.
“Sir, the meeting with the investors is scheduled for ten,” his assistant reminded him as they stepped out of the sleek black car.
Adrian nodded slightly, adjusting the cuffs of his tailored suit. The glass doors of Khanna Technologies reflected the rising sun.
Inside the lobby, employees moved quickly, their footsteps echoing on the marble floors.
And then it happened.
A young woman rushing across the lobby accidentally collided with him. Papers flew into the air like scattered leaves.
“Oh my God, I’m so sorry!” she said, kneeling quickly to gather the documents.
Adrian looked down at her.
She wasn’t dressed like the polished executives around him. Her clothes were simple but neat. Her hair was tied in a loose ponytail, and her eyes—bright and expressive—held a mixture of embarrassment and determination.
“It’s fine,” Adrian said calmly, kneeling to help her pick up the papers.
“Thank you… I really didn’t mean to—”
She stopped mid-sentence when she looked up and recognized him.
Her eyes widened.
“You’re… Mr. Khanna.”
Adrian raised an eyebrow.
“And you are?”
“Lina Malik,” she replied nervously. “I’m here for an interview.”
Adrian handed her the last paper.
“Then you should hurry. Interviews here are not known for waiting.”
Lina smiled slightly. “Thank you… and again, I’m really sorry.”
She rushed toward the elevator.
Adrian stood there for a moment longer than necessary.
Something about her presence lingered in his mind.
But he quickly dismissed the thought.
After all, she was just another applicant.
Or so he believed.
- Writer
