CHAPTER 2: A DANGEROUS ENCOUNTER
405 Words
Aria barely made it home before the rain turned into a violent storm. Her clothes were soaked, and her shoes squelched with every step as she climbed the narrow staircase to her apartment.
The moment she opened the door, the familiar scent of herbal medicine filled the tiny room.
"You're home," her grandmother called weakly from the bedroom.
Aria forced a smile.
"Yes, Grandma. I'll make dinner."
She quickly changed into dry clothes before preparing a simple meal. Throughout dinner, she couldn't stop thinking about the mysterious man she had met.
Those cold eyes...
That calm voice...
Why couldn't she get him out of her head?
---
Across the city, inside the penthouse of the Blackwood Empire...
Damien Blackwood stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the glittering skyline.
His assistant entered quietly.
"Sir."
Damien didn't turn around.
"What is it?"
"We've identified the woman from tonight."
He placed a file on the desk.
"Her name is Aria Bennett. Twenty-two years old. A university student. She works two part-time jobs to support her grandmother. No criminal record. No wealthy relatives."
Damien remained silent.
"Continue watching her," he finally said.
His assistant frowned.
"Sir... she's just an ordinary girl."
Damien slowly looked at him.
"No one is ordinary."
---
The next morning...
Aria hurried toward the café where she worked before class.
She had barely tied on her apron when her manager rushed over.
"Aria!"
"Yes?"
"We've just received a reservation from a VIP client. Make sure everything is perfect."
She nodded.
"I will."
Minutes later, the café doors opened.
Every conversation stopped.
The same man from last night walked inside wearing another perfectly tailored black suit.
Damien Blackwood.
Their eyes met.
Aria's heart skipped a beat.
He walked directly toward her.
"I'll have a black coffee."
She crossed her arms.
"You again?"
A faint smile appeared on his lips.
"It seems fate disagrees with you."
"I don't believe in fate."
"Perhaps you'll change your mind."
Before Aria could reply, the café doors burst open.
Three masked men stormed inside.
"Nobody move!"
One of them pointed a gun toward the customers.
Another walked straight toward Damien.
"So... we finally found you."
The café erupted into screams.
Aria stood frozen.
She had no idea that the stranger standing only a few feet away was living a life far more dangerous than she had ever imagined.
And in the next few seconds...
Everything would change.
End of Chapter 2
- Writer
