Chapter 13 When Worlds Collide
524 Words
Elara knew the night was cursed the moment she saw heels in the garage.
Not just any heels. Expensive ones. Sharp. Loud against concrete. The kind that did not belong anywhere near oil stains or exposed engines.
She did not need to look up. She already knew.
“Adrian,” Rachel’s voice floated through the air, sweet and practiced. “I hope I am not interrupting.”
Elara closed her eyes. “Of course you are,” she muttered.
Adrian turned, clearly surprised. “Do I know you.”
Rachel laughed lightly. “Not yet. I am Rachel.” She extended a manicured hand. “Elara’s sister.”
Elara looked up sharply. “You followed me.”
Rachel smiled without warmth. “Family visits are allowed, aren’t they.”
Adrian glanced between them, confusion flickering across his face. “You did not mention a sister.”
“That is because she appears uninvited,” Elara replied flatly.
Rachel ignored her. “I heard you needed help with your car. I thought I would check on you personally.”
Elara stood. “You have no business here.”
Rachel tilted her head. “Neither do you, technically. You are a receptionist who plays mechanic at night.”
The words were sharp. Intentional.
Adrian’s eyes narrowed. Slowly. “She fixes my car.”
Rachel’s gaze flickered. “For now.”
Elara stepped forward. “Say what you came to say and leave.”
Rachel leaned closer, voice low. “Father thinks you are wasting an opportunity. Adrian is valuable. You are temporary.”
That did it.
Elara laughed. Not soft. Not polite. “You think a man is a prize. I think he is a person. That is the difference.”
Adrian stiffened.
Rachel turned to him. “She is proud. Stubborn. Difficult. You deserve someone easier.”
Elara met Adrian’s eyes. “Do not listen to her.”
He looked between them, jaw tight. “I did not ask for an evaluation.”
Rachel smiled again. “Of course not. Men like you prefer discovering value on their own.”
Elara shook her head. “You are embarrassing yourself.”
Rachel’s smile vanished. “I am securing my future.”
Adrian exhaled slowly. “This conversation is over.”
Rachel looked stunned. “Excuse me.”
“I said,” he repeated coldly, “this conversation is over. You should leave.”
Rachel stared at him, then at Elara. Rage flickered behind her eyes.
“This is not finished,” she said quietly.
She walked out, heels echoing like a threat.
The garage fell silent.
Elara leaned against the workbench, exhausted. “I am sorry.”
Adrian studied her. “Your family is… intense.”
She laughed bitterly. “That is one word for it.”
He hesitated. “She was wrong.”
Elara looked up. “About what.”
“You are not temporary.”
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Then she straightened. “Your car is ready.”
He nodded. “Thank you.”
Enemy lines still drawn. Respect growing. Trouble officially invited into their lives.
And Rachel was not done.
- Writer
