WILLIAM

She Ruined Everything

Episode 4:

Anna POV

I stepped out of my gate, feeling fabulous in my designer outfit. The sun was shining, and I could practically hear the theme music to my life playing in the background. I spotted William’s driver waiting patiently, his expression as serious as a chess champion. He opened the passenger door for me, and I slid into the plush leather seat, ready to embrace my glamorous day.

As we sped off, the excitement faded. Traffic. Of course. The cars inched forward like they were participating in a slow-motion race, and my mood plummeted.

“Hey,” I called out to the driver, trying to keep my tone light.

“Yes, ma’am?” he replied, glancing at me in the rearview mirror.

“What’s causing this traffic jam?” I asked, trying to mask my impatience.

“I think there was an accident a few minutes ago,” he said, his tone apologetic.

“Great,” I sighed, leaning back in my seat. Just my luck. I was about to meet William, and now I was stuck here, contemplating the meaning of life—or at least why I didn’t just order takeout instead.

Suddenly, I heard a knock on the car window. I turned to see a stunning woman staring at me, her eyes wide with desperation. For a moment, I felt a pang of jealousy. How dare she look that good while I was stuck in traffic?

“Can you roll down the window?” I ordered the driver, and he complied.

“Excuse me, ma’am,” the woman began, her voice shaky. “I’m Sophia, and I’m in a bit of trouble. My landlord is about to throw me out if I can’t pay my rent tonight.”

As she spoke, I felt my irritation bubble. “And how is this my problem?” I shot back, crossing my arms defensively.

Tears welled up in Sophia’s eyes. “Please, I have nowhere else to go!”

“Look,” I said, channeling my inner diva. “I can’t just pull money out of thin air. You might as well ask me to summon a unicorn.”

“Please, I just need help!” she pleaded.

Rolling my eyes, I replied, “Maybe you should consider a different line of work. You know, like opening a lemonade stand? A one-night stand might help too. Just find a guy—”

Before I could finish my sarcastic remark, she slapped me across the face. The shock of it sent my mind spinning.

“What the—?!” I sputtered, pushing the car door open in retaliation. It hit her knee, and she stumbled back, hitting her head on the pavement.

“Oh no!” I gasped, panic rising within me. I quickly ordered the driver to speed off, my heart racing. I couldn’t believe that just happened.

“Sorry to say, but what’s wrong with you, ma’am?” the driver asked, clearly baffled.

“Are you mad? She slapped me!” I shot back, my temper flaring.

“But you caused it! You deserve it!” he retorted, and I shot him a glare that could curdle milk.

“Shut your mouth or I’ll have you driving a clown car for the rest of your life!” I hissed.

We continued our heated debate until the sound of police sirens pierced the air. My stomach dropped.

“We’re stopping!” I commanded, my voice a mix of fear and indignation. We pulled into a nearby restaurant, and I bolted inside, leaving the driver behind.

Inside, I spotted William sitting at a table, his phone in hand. Relief washed over me, and I rushed to him, throwing my arms around him.

“Calm down and tell me what happened,” he said, his voice soothing but edged with concern.

Before I could explain, the driver walked in, flanked by two policemen. My heart sank.

“She almost killed someone today,” one officer said, crossing his arms as if I were a criminal mastermind.

William’s eyes narrowed. “What? How did that happen?”

“She knocked her down with the car door,” the driver said, and I shot him a glare that could shatter glass.

“Really? You’re going to throw me under the bus?” I muttered under my breath.

“I believe it was a mistake,” William said firmly, stepping in front of me protectively. “Let’s sort this out.”

The officers exchanged skeptical looks but eventually agreed. They led William out, leaving me alone with the driver.

“You almost got us into serious trouble,” he grumbled, shaking his head.

“Shut it, you!” I snapped, still reeling from the chaos.

William returned, his expression serious. “No need to create another scene. We haven’t even settled this one.”

I felt small, the weight of my blunder pressing down on me.

“It’s getting late; you should head home,” William said gently, though I could see the annoyance simmering beneath the surface.

“I’m really sorry,” I whispered, my cheeks burning with embarrassment.

“It’s okay,” he replied, though his tone suggested otherwise. “Let’s just get you home.”

I walked towards the car at the front, my mind racing. Was it “Goodbye” or “Thank you”? Should I say both or neither? As I turned back to call out to William, I noticed the other two cars were gone.

What? Had they vanished into thin air? I couldn’t recall hearing any engines or doors slamming. Maybe I had been lost in my thoughts—thoughts of how I’d just managed to ruin what could have been a perfect evening.

I got into the car, greeted by another driver who didn’t utter a word; he simply sped off. The silence was deafening, and a wave of sadness washed over me. I felt like I had just shattered my chance with William, and the weight of regret pressed heavily on my chest.

What if he hated me now? What if this was the end before it even began?

As we drove, I stared blankly out the window, watching the world blur by. Each passing light felt like a reminder of my disastrous evening. I replayed the moments in my mind—the slap, the chaos, the bewildered expressions of the police. Would William ever see me the same way again?

Tears stung my eyes as I imagined the worst. But deep down, a flicker of hope remained. Maybe this wasn’t the end. Maybe I could find a way to make it right.

As the car turned onto my street, I resolved to figure out how to apologize properly. I wouldn’t let one terrible incident define my future with William.

To be continued…