AFTER MIDNIGHT

Episode 2 — The Unexpected Encounter Amara woke up the next morning with one thought. Damien Black. She groaned and pulled the blanket over her face. “Absolutely not.” She had spent half the night replaying their conversation in her head. You. Who said things like that to a woman they had just met? And why had her heart reacted to it? Amara sat up and reached for her phone. There were several messages from Tessa. Tessa: Girl!!! Tessa: WHO WAS THAT MAN? Tessa: Don’t tell me you left without getting his number. Amara smiled. Amara: I don’t know what you’re talking about. The reply came almost immediately. Tessa: Liar. Amara tossed her phone onto the bed. She wasn’t interested in Damien. He was simply a handsome stranger she had met at a party. That was all. At least, that’s what she wanted to believe. By noon, Amara was sitting in one of her favorite spots on campus, trying to finish an assignment. Her stomach growled. She looked at the time. 12:47 p.m. She had skipped breakfast. Again. “Of course,” she muttered. She packed her books and headed toward the cafeteria. She had barely taken three steps when someone called her name. “Amara?” She stopped. A familiar voice. Slowly, she turned around. Her eyes widened. Damien. He was standing beside a black luxury car, dressed casually in a white shirt and dark trousers. Amara stared at him. “What are you doing here?” His eyebrows lifted. “Nice to see you too.” “I mean—” She stopped herself. “What are you doing on my campus?” “I had a meeting nearby.” “Right.” “And apparently, I got lucky.” Amara folded her arms. “Lucky?” “I found you.” She tried not to smile. Failed. Damien noticed. “So you can smile.” “Don’t get excited.” He laughed. Then he looked at the books in her arms. “Heading somewhere?” “Cafeteria.” “Have you eaten?” Amara hesitated. That was enough of an answer. Damien sighed. “Come on.” “Come on where?” “Lunch.” “I can feed myself.” “I didn’t say you couldn’t.” “Then why are you inviting me?” “Because I want to have lunch with you.” Amara stared at him. “You’re very direct.” “I don’t like wasting time.” “And what if I say no?” Damien stepped slightly closer. “Then I’ll accept it.” Something about his answer surprised her. No pressure. No argument. Just confidence. Amara looked toward the cafeteria. Then back at him. “Fine.” His smile appeared instantly. “Good choice.” “Don’t make me regret it.” “I won’t.” The restaurant was far more expensive than anything Amara usually visited. She looked around nervously as they were led to their table. “Damien…” “Yes?” “I can’t afford this.” “You’re not paying.” “That isn’t the point.” He studied her for a moment. “What is the point?” “I don’t want you thinking I’m here because of your money.” Something changed in his expression. He leaned back. “I didn’t invite you because I think you’re interested in my money.” “Then why?” His eyes stayed on hers. “Because I couldn’t stop thinking about you.” Amara’s heart skipped. She quickly looked down at the menu. “You barely know me.” “I know.” “Then how can you say that?” “I don’t know.” For once, Damien looked almost uncertain. And somehow, that made him more attractive. Amara smiled softly. “Maybe you’re not as confident as you pretend to be.” He smiled. “Maybe you’re the first person who’s made me question myself.” Their eyes met. Neither of them spoke. But something had changed. This wasn’t just a conversation between two strangers anymore. And neither of them knew where it would lead. To be continued…