FATED ENCOUNTERS
380 Words
Priden
I sat in my office chair, feeling... empty. This happened too often lately. I picked up my phone and called Ethan.
“Hey man, drink tonight?”
“Hell yeah. Where?”
“Red Rose.”
“Cool. Five minutes.”
Before I could respond, Jane barged in.
"Sir—"
"Jane, cancel all my meetings. I’m clocking out early."
"Yes, Sir. Also, there’s a new business proposal... from Jance’s."
"Handle it tomorrow."
"Noted, Sir."
I left without another word.
---
Velda
“So... where exactly are we going?” I asked Keelson as I adjusted my black leather boots in the passenger seat of his Porsche. My little black dress hugged my curves, and the engraved necklace gleamed under the light.
“Somewhere fun,” he grinned, eyes on the road. “You look amazing, by the way.”
I rolled my eyes and turned my attention to a message from my assistant. New designs—great, more work tomorrow.
“We’re here!” Keelson announced.
“That was fast,” I murmured.
“They didn’t suspend my license for nothing,” he winked.
“Speed kills, Keel.”
“Just once in a while! Try it sometime—might bring a little excitement to your dull life.”
“Psychopath,” I muttered as we entered the club.
---
Priden
As I walked into Red Rose, the energy hit me. Then I saw her.
She stood out from everyone else—no heavy makeup, no attention-seeking glitter. Just... stunning.
I couldn’t look away.
She walked toward the exit, and I followed without thinking.
Why was she alone?
She stepped into a side alley—then suddenly, a group of thugs surrounded her. Fear flashed in her eyes.
Something snapped in me.
“Hey! Get your hands off her!”
“This ain’t your business, pal!”
“You’ll regret that.”
Fueled by adrenaline, I charged. A few punches later, they were groaning on the ground.
She collapsed to her knees, shaking.
“Are you okay?” I asked gently.
Before she could respond, she passed out.
As I lifted her into my arms, I saw it—the heart-shaped necklace.
Velda Jance.
I dialled Ethan.
“Get me everything you can on Velda Jance. Now.”
- Writer
