Little Miss Crazy

CHAPTER 1&2; He's Wrath

Los Angeles

∆Ava's Residence∆

Ava slowly opened her eyes, the warm sunlight peeking through the curtains.

Her long reddish brown hair scattered around her face.

The aroma of pancakes wafted up from the kitchen, a familiar scent that signaled a new day. She groggily got dressed, her mind still half asleep.

As she made her way downstairs, she met her mom sitting on the couch, flipping through TV channels. Ava's sister, Daisy, was busy in the kitchen, humming along to the music playing in the background.

"Morning, sweetie," her mom said, looking up. "Another day at that waitress job, huh? When are you going to find something better? You have a degree, Ava. You deserve more than serving food."

Ava sighed inwardly, anticipating the familiar lecture. "Mom, I know. I'll keep looking, okay?"

Her mom's expression softened slightly. "I just want the best for you, baby. You and Daisy both."

Ava smiled weakly and headed into the kitchen to grab a quick breakfast. As she approached Daisy, she asked, "Hey, sis! How's school going?"

Daisy, flipping pancakes, grinned mischievously. "It's going, but I'd rather be serving food with you! At least we'd have more time to gossip." Ava chuckled and rolled her eyes.

Ava playfully scolded Daisy, "Focus on school, kiddo! You don't want to end up like me." Daisy giggled and handed Ava a pancake. "I'll try, but no promises!"

Ava took a quick bite, grabbed her backpack, and headed out. Her mom shouted after her, "Ava, take an umbrella! It looks like it's going to rain!" Ava nodded and grabbed an umbrella from the stand by the door.

With her umbrella and backpack in hand, Ava dashed out into the drizzly morning. As she walked to work, the rain pattered against the umbrella, a soothing sound that did little to calm her racing thoughts.

Ava hated her job. The constant stress, the demanding customers, the monotony of it all wore her down. She felt like she was just going through the motions, trapped in a cycle she couldn't escape.

As she walked, she thought about her dreams, her aspirations. She wanted more, but life had other plans. The rain seemed to match her mood, gloomy and relentless.

Ava trudged into the diner, the bell above the door jingling as she clocked in. The familiar chaos greeted her – clinking dishes, sizzling bacon, and the chatter of early morning regulars. She exchanged weary smiles with her coworkers, Rachel and Maria, who were already juggling multiple tables.

As Ava took orders and delivered plates, she fielded flirtatious comments from a group of rowdy construction workers. One of them, a burly man with a thick beard, caught her eye (literally) and winked. Ava's expression remained professional, but her eyes rolled involuntarily.

Rachel whispered, "Girl, you're a saint. I don't know how you handle those guys." Ava chuckled and whispered back, "It's all part of the job, Rach. But honestly, some days I want to toss coffee all over them."

Maria chimed in, "Don't even get me started on Mr. Patel's table. He's complaining about the eggs again." Ava groaned inwardly, knowing she'd have to deal with the notorious complainer soon.

The morning rush was a blur of orders, refills, and smiles. Ava's feet ached, and her patience wore thin. She was counting down the minutes until her break.

As the day wore on, the rain intensified, drumming against the diner's roof like a relentless beat. By closing time, the storm had turned torrential, flooding the streets and reducing visibility. Ava splashed through the puddles, her umbrella blown inside out, as she headed home on foot. She couldn't afford transport, not with the meager tips she'd earned.

The rain-soaked streets were deserted, except for the occasional passing car. Ava's shoes squelched with every step as she walked along the lake's edge. Suddenly, she saw a sleek black car veer off the road and plunge into the lake. Her heart skipped a beat as she realized the car was driverless, with only a terrified-looking old man in the backseat.

Without hesitation, Ava pulled out her phone and dialed 911, her hands shaking as she reported the incident. "There's a car in the lake! Please send help!" She didn't wait for a response, kicking off her shoes and diving into the icy water.

The weight of her clothes dragged her down, but she kicked hard, swimming towards the sinking car. She managed to break the window and pull the old man out, holding his head above water as they waited for rescue. The sound of sirens grew louder, and soon the ambulance arrived, pulling them to safety.

As Ava coughed up water, she saw the old man's frail face.

She just saved a man from drowning...

••••••••••••••••••••

Alexander sat in the back seat of his sleek black Mercedes Benz, scrolling through his latest business deal on his tablet.

A smirk formed on his lips as he read about the dominating terms he'd negotiated, his ocean-blue eyes gleaming with satisfaction. His chiseled features and masculine physique seemed chiseled from granite, radiating an aura of cold confidence.

The car hushed to a stop in front of a luxurious restaurant, and Alexander sighed tiredly. Another blind date, courtesy of his father. He respected his father, but he had no intention of indulging in pointless social games.

Still, he wouldn't disrespect him by standing up his date.

Alexander's polished shoes touched the ground as his bodyguard, Ryan, opened the door. He stepped out, his tailored suit accentuating his broad shoulders. As he entered the restaurant, the hostess's eyes widened, and she smiled warmly. Alexander's gaze swept the room, locating his date.

He strode over, his eyes locked on hers, and dropped a check on the table. "Never show your face to me again," he said, his voice low and dismissive. He turned and walked out, leaving her stunned.

At his company, the atmosphere shifted as Alexander's presence was announced. Workers bowed their heads, whispering to each other. "Oh my god, he's so hot!" one female employee squealed. "I just can't get enough of him," another chimed in, giggling.

As Alexander walked through the office, Ryan followed closely behind.

The board members' faces paled, their eyes fixed on him with a mix of fear and respect. One of them, Jenkins, who had messed up a crucial deal, trembled visibly.

When Alexander entered the meeting room, Jenkins slid to his knees, his voice shaking. "P-please, Alexander, have mercy. I'll do anything to make it right."

Alexander's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing. His face remained unreadable, but his voice was icy. "You'd better." The air seemed to chill further as he surveyed the room. His dominance was palpable, commanding attention and inspiring fear.

The phone on the table rang, shrill in the silence.

Alexander's gaze didn't waver from Jenkins as he answered the phone, his voice low and even. But as he listened to the caller, his expression hardened, his eyes flashing with a cold intensity. The board members exchanged nervous glances, sensing the shift in his mood.

"On my way," Alexander said finally, his voice clipped. He ended the call, his gaze still fixed on Jenkins, who trembled visibly.

Without a word, Alexander turned and walked out of the meeting room, his manager, Thompson, following closely behind. As they walked, Alexander's voice was low and deadly.

"Take care of Jenkins. He's no longer needed here." Thompson nodded, his face expressionless, but his eyes betrayed a hint of sympathy for the doomed man.

As Alexander left the building, the board members breathed a collective sigh of relief, but their fear lingered.

They knew Alexander's wrath was not to be underestimated. Jenkins, still on his knees, realized his fate was sealed, and his future looked bleaker than ever.

The workers watched as Alexander exited the building, his aura of power and authority lingering behind him. The female employees couldn't help but stare, their faces flushed with admiration.