Destiny's Arrangement

Chapter Two

The next morning began another cycle of interviews, applications, and rejection letters. I had hoped for some good news, but the universe continued to be unkind. The events of the previous day lingered in my thoughts. Despite the emotional turmoil, I sensed something profound had transpired. Linda's remarks about fate echoed in my mind.

As I sipped my third cup of coffee, my phone rang from an unknown number. My heart raced as I answered, wishing it was a job offer.

“Hello, is this Elena Bennett?” asked a woman’s voice, both formal and courteous.

“Yes, this is Elena,” I replied, attempting to hide my nervousness.

“I’m calling from the hospital about the gentleman you helped yesterday,” she continued. “He’s awake and recovering well. His family would like to meet you if you’re available.”

I was taken aback by the request. “Oh, um, of course. I can stop by this morning.”

“Wonderful. I’ll inform them you’re coming.”

After hanging up, a blend of curiosity and anxiety filled me. It wasn’t every day that I saved someone’s life and then got contacted by their family. I hurriedly dressed in a neat yet casual outfit—just a sweater and jeans—before heading out.

Upon arriving at the hospital, I was directed to a private room in the cardiac unit. As I neared the door, nerves gripped me. Unsure of what to expect, I took a deep breath, knocked gently, and pushed the door open.

Inside, an elderly man sat upright in bed, looking much healthier than the day before. He was conversing with a nurse, who turned to me with a welcoming smile as I entered.

“Here she is,” the nurse said, stepping out.

The man looked at me with eyes full of gratitude. “You must be Elena,” he said, his voice resilient despite his recent struggles.

“Yes, sir,” I replied, moving closer. “I’m relieved to see you’re doing better.”

He chuckled softly, his grin widening. “Thanks to you, I am. I’m Henry Woods, and I understand you were the one who saved my life.”

That name struck me like lightning. Henry Woods—the very Henry Woods? The influential business magnate renowned across various industries? My heart raced as I processed who I was talking to.

“I... I just did what anyone would do,” I stuttered, feeling suddenly out of place.

“Not everyone would have acted as you did,” Henry replied firmly. “You responded swiftly and bravely, and for that, I owe you my life. My family can hardly express their gratitude.”

Before I could respond, the door swung open again, and a tall, commanding figure entered the room. I sensed a shift in the atmosphere, his presence demanding respect. He scanned the room before his gaze locked onto mine, his dark eyes narrowing slightly.

“Grandfather,” he said smoothly yet authoritatively, “I came as soon as I heard.” He approached the bed, placing a hand on Henry’s shoulder, his expression softening briefly.

“This is the young woman who saved me, Devon,” Henry indicated toward me.

So this was Devon Woods, Henry’s grandson and the CEO of Woods Enterprises. I’d encountered his name in business articles, always depicted as a cold, ruthless leader. And here he was, standing right before me, his gaze sharp and evaluative.

For a moment, we were silent. His eyes seemed to penetrate my very being, as if he could extract my life story just by looking at me. I felt vulnerable, exposed, yet undeniably drawn to him. There was an intensity about him that was impossible to overlook, even though it unsettled me.

“Thank you,” he finally said, his tone calm and steady. “You saved my grandfather’s life. We owe you a debt of gratitude.”

I swallowed hard, gathering my thoughts. “I’m just relieved he’s alright. I didn’t do it for recognition.”

He raised an eyebrow, intrigued—perhaps even amused. “Regardless, you deserve acknowledgment for your actions.”

Before I could reply, Henry interrupted. “Devon, why not take a seat? You’re making the girl anxious.”

Devon’s expression remained unchanged, but he pulled over a chair and sat down, still studying me closely. While it didn’t entirely ease my nerves, the tension in the room seemed to dissipate somewhat.

Henry beamed at me again. “Elena, I’d like to invite you to dinner once I’m out of here. My family would like to thank you properly.”

“That’s really not necessary,” I started, but Henry dismissed my protest with a wave.

“Nonsense. It’s the least we can do, and I insist.” His tone left no room for debate.

I glanced at Devon, who continued to observe me with an inscrutable expression. It felt like more than just a simple dinner invitation, suggesting deeper implications. But I couldn’t exactly refuse Henry Woods, could I?

“Well, okay,” I finally acquiesced. “I’d be honored.”

“Excellent,” Henry said, visibly pleased. “My assistant will reach out to arrange everything.”

After a few more minutes of polite conversation, I excused myself, feeling a need to escape the charged atmosphere in the room. As I left the hospital, an unsettling sensation reminded me that my life had just taken an unexpected turn.

******

When I returned to the apartment, Linda was in the kitchen, humming contentedly while preparing dinner. She looked up as I entered, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

“So? How did it go?” she queried, placing down her knife.

I exhaled slowly, still processing the day’s events. “You won’t believe this,” I said, leaning against the counter. “The man I saved... is Henry Woods.”

Linda’s eyes widened, her jaw dropping in disbelief. “The Henry Woods? The billionaire?”

I nodded, still feeling dazed. “Yes. And his grandson, Devon Woods, was there too.”

“Oh my gosh,” Linda breathed, her excitement tangible. “Did you get his autograph? Or even better, his number?”

“Linda!” I laughed, though I couldn’t help but feel amused. “No, nothing like that. But they did invite me to dinner.”

“Dinner with the Woods family?” Linda’s voice nearly squeaked with delight. “Elena, this is incredible! Do you realize what this could mean for you?”

I shrugged, downplaying it, but she was right. This might open doors, though I wasn't sure how just yet. “I guess we’ll see. Right now, I’m just trying to make sense of it all.”

Linda grinned, clearly thrilled for me. “This is your moment, Elena. Something amazing could be just around the corner.”

I wanted to believe her, but beneath that excitement lay a gnawing sense of anxiety. Devon Woods was a mystery, and becoming involved with his family seemed more complex than I thought.

That night, I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling as thoughts raced through my mind. Meeting the Woods family was an unforeseen twist in my otherwise mundane existence. I couldn’t ignore the excitement—the prospect of entering a world I had only read about.

Yet, something about Devon unsettled me. His piercing gaze and demeanor suggested he was evaluating every word I spoke, every action I took. There was also an undeniable attraction, a magnetic pull that drew me in despite my instinct to exercise caution.

I turned over and pulled the blanket up to my chin. The day's events replayed over and over in my mind, a whirlwind of emotions I couldn't quite untangle. I had a nagging feeling that this encounter was merely the start of something much larger, something I couldn’t yet fully grasp.