I reached the boulevard, my heart pounding as I thought I had managed to escape the situation. But now, I'm overwhelmed with remorse, and I can't help but sadly laugh at myself for what I've done – today, I became a thief.
Trying to wash away the guilt, I tell myself that someday I'll find a way to pay him back. After all, he was rude to me, and maybe I can take this as his punishment. However, despite everything, I can't deny that he once saved me, which complicates my feelings.I decide to stop dwelling on the past and murmuring these thoughts to myself, I make my way to a bus station, asking for directions from passersby. It's time to move forward and leave this behind.As I sat there contemplating my options, the decision of where to go weighed heavily on my mind. California and New York seemed like appealing choices, but I couldn't seem to make up my mind, and nothing else came to me as a clear alternative.Reflecting on my hasty decision to run away from the bungalow, I realized that escaping in real life is far from the effortless portrayal in movies. While I wasn't grieving the decision, I couldn't ignore the reality of the situation. Memories of movie scenes that played a pivotal role in motivating me flickered in my brain, but when I reached the highway, unexpected problems arose.Now, I find myself in a predicament where deciding where to go is more challenging than dealing with Joseph's men or Mr. Fierce. Thoughts swirl in my mind, considering the practicalities of relocating, finding a job, and managing life in a new place, especially since I lost hope when I lost my backpack. Overwhelmed, I sighed and cried inwardly.Amidst my turmoil, a self-doubting voice intruded, suggesting that I should return home and seek forgiveness from my foster family, who might have wanted to sell me. But my mind countered with the harsh consequences that could await me if I went back, hinting at potential horrors from the buyer they had in mind. The thought sent shivers down my spine.Closing my eyes, I pondered the option my brain had suggested, but I quickly dismissed it with determination. "No, anywhere but that place," I whispered to myself. As a bus approached, I saw a group of people nearby, tuning their guitars.Curiosity getting the better of me, I approached the group and asked where the bus was headed. They might have thought I was a bit strange, but I didn't mind. "Albany," one of them responded, seeming a bit puzzled by my question.With a smile, I made up my mind. "So, New York will be my destination, and hopefully, it turns out to be a good choice," I murmured, reaffirming my decision. When the bus arrived, I paid for my ticket and nervously took a seat.To my surprise, the group from earlier also boarded the bus, and one of them sat beside me. "Are you going to Albany for the first time?" she asked, noticing my fidgeting fingers. I nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension.Introducing herself as Olivia, she introduced me to her friends Luke, Andrew, and Erin. They all greeted me warmly, but I could see curiosity in their eyes as they wondered about my story and why I was headed to Albany.As I timidly asked, "Ariana, do you guys live here or are you going for an outing?" Olivia responded with a warm smile, "We have a band called Eaglesica. We were here for a performance, and now we're heading back to our place. You might be wondering why we're taking the bus? Well, we all love a bit of adventure. I apologize for speaking so much; my friends scold me for this habit, but I can't help it."Olivia and her friends were incredibly friendly, and I felt grateful for their company. They seemed to understand my situation, and thanks to their kindness and conversation, the journey to Albany passed quickly. Before I knew it, I had arrived in Albany, and now a new chapter of my journey was about to begin.………………..Adien’s POVSitting in my cabin, I was engrossed in signing some documents yet disturbed by Adam's secretary, Ms. Eva Brown, who entered my cabin without knocking."What are you doing here? And how dare you enter without knocking?" I yelled, standing, causing Ms. Brown to flinch. She attempted to say something, but I yelled for Jacob, my new secretary who had joined two months ago, and who had never given me an opportunity to fire him until now.Jacob hurriedly came inside and tried to say something, but he was interrupted by Adam's entrance. Ms. Brown, who was cowering, sighed upon seeing Adam."Eva, you may go, and Jacob, can you excuse us?" Adam said in a sugar-coated voice. Jacob gawked at me, but I directed my furious expression towards Adam, who remained steady. I resented him the most because he always presented himself differently from his family, unlike Ryan and the others who openly embraced their cunning ways."You may go," I said to Ms. Brown, continuing to glare at Adam.Adam attempted to say something, but I arched my brows, signaling him to get to the point."Brother," Adam attempted to say, but I arched my brows, indicating he should get to the point."There will be a shareholder meeting after a week, and I will vote for you, but..." Adam struggled to continue, only to be interrupted by my laughter."You will support me? You have a 12% share, and why is this meeting happening? As far as I know, there is still a month left," I said, puzzled.Adam explained that Ryan and others had forced the meeting upon investors and some directors. They were planning to exploit last week's scandal to undermine my position.Recalling the incident, I fisted my hand in frustration. The media had misrepresented my actions when I slapped someone who was behaving inappropriately with a female guard at my company. It wasn't my fault; I couldn't stand seeing my employees insulted or mistreated. However, the media portrayed the incident in a different light, leading to unforeseen consequences."And you may not know, but only a 12% difference is between you and Ryan," Adam continued. This revelation was shocking, and I didn't expect my loyal people to betray me and side with Ryan. However, I couldn't help but smirk, thinking about someone else."Why do you think I will accept your help to save my position? And why do you want to help me?" I asked, hiding my smirk and expressing genuine confusion.Adam responded calmly, "You may not take me as your brother, but I do consider you as my brother. I know Ryan can't handle this huge empire. Also, I am not doing this for free. In exchange for my vote, I want something."I played with a paperweight, smirking, and asked, "And what do you want?""You should give me a chance to prove that I am different from my family," Adam said, which infuriated me.Sarcastically, I replied, "Oh, really? You can leave. Don't worry; I am not going to lose my position. Tell your brother that such tactics won't work with me." Adam tried to say something, but I called for Jacob.As Adam left, Jacob entered and bowed his head. I questioned him about not getting prior information about Ryan's actions, clenching my fist in frustration.Jacob apologized, explaining that Mr. Miller hadn't come to the office for a month, so he didn't anticipate such a plan. He was ready to take responsibility for the mistake and resign."That I will surely take, but after that shareholder meeting, find out about that meeting and fix my schedule with Mr. Connell, my grandfather," I said to Jacob. In this short span of time, he was the only person who could be helpful as he held 15% of the shares and had a hidden secret that always controlled my stepfather's greed, Mr. Miller.Jacob nodded and left the cabin. As I planned my next steps, I opened a drawer to put away my files. It was getting late, and my mood was already spoiled. However, my attention was drawn to an identity card lying in the drawer, and I felt a surge of joy."Ariana Gray," I whispered, holding the card in my hand. It had been two months since I met her in that unexpected situation, the day I kept this card with me as a memento of that encounter. The memories of our meeting still lingered in my mind, and I couldn't help but wonder where she was now and how fate might bring us together again.As I held Ariana's identity card, uncertainty filled my mind. Would she come to me as she promised? Or would she not show up at all? The question of her honouring her promise lingered in my thoughts.But then another concern surfaced – the money she had stolen from me during our encounter. It was an issue that couldn't be ignored. I couldn't dismiss the fact that she had taken something valuable from me, and that weighed heavily on my mind.As I closed the drawer, I couldn't help but wonder about the mysterious girl who had left a mark on my life. The uncertainty surrounding her actions and the stolen money created a mix of emotions within me – curiosity, anticipation, and frustration. I knew I had to be prepared for any outcome and confront the situation when the time came. Until then, I could only wait and see what fate had in store for our paths to cross once more.To be continued.Part-8Memories of my encounter with Ms. Gray resurfaced. After coming out of the motel, I glanced at Mr. Baker, who was waiting for me, and he opened the car's door."Sorry, sir, for the delay," Mr. Baker apologized for the holdup, and I hummed before sitting in the car. However, instead of closing the door, he kept standing and gazing at the passageway."Mr. Baker, are you willing to stay here? I don't have a problem driving myself, and I can comfortably manage, but I guess you might need to find a new job," I sarcastically said, shutting the door and glaring at him. He mouthed an apology and then took his driver's seat. I shifted my gaze to Ms. Gray's backpack, which was beside me. I had no interest in examining her bag or retrieving my stolen money from her, so I looked away and stretched my head on the seat.I felt Mr. Baker's heated gaze, as if he yearned to ask something. I knew he was curious about Ms. Gray – where she was and why she didn't appear with me. But I possessed apat
Ariana's POVMy entire face drained after encountering someone from my past. He is the least expected person I wanted to see, but at this moment, he is before me, piercing his gaze into my entire body.Why is he here? For his money? What if he tells others what I did? No, I need to stop him.After lots of striving, I am on my feet and enjoying my life with friends like I always dreamt. I reminisce about how difficult it was to reach this point where I am standing. I couldn't have made it here if I didn't find some great friends.Two months ago, I remember disembarking from the bus and nervously looking around myself. I sighed and moved towards a restaurant, ordering a coffee so I could make some decisions."Now, where?" I asked myself while sipping my beverage and looking around. All were busy with themselves and seemed happy, but here I am, all tense, sitting.Shall I go to some motel and rest there, then find some job at restaurants or hotels? But I can't spend money on motels. What
Part- 10Ariana's POV"I won't ever and I trust you all. I just didn't want to burden you," I said, holding Olivia's hand. She held back, saying, "you won't."I gave up, sighing, as I didn't want to hurt her feelings."Girls, we are also here," Luke said, making faces as he saw me and Olivia getting close.Others laughed, seeing his antics, but I only kept adoring their bond, thinking that one day, I want to be a part of this tight-knit group.The rest of the evening went by, filled with laughter and sharing stories. As the night approached, we all decided to call it a day. Olivia insisted that I stay with her, and I hesitated a bit before accepting her offer. Deep down, I knew it was the right decision. Olivia and I already had a strong connection, and I felt grateful for finding such caring friends so quickly.The whole night was filled with anxiety and fear; I was tossing on the bed while Olivia was peacefully somnolent beside me, but it appeared someone stole my slumber."Try again
"Ariana's POV"Shock engulfed my entire body after hearing Ms. Gray from Mr. Connell's mouth. How does he know me? Only this question is revolving in my brain. Is it possible that at some business party we collided? But still, who remembers such a small bump? At least not me, as my ludicrous brain hates this work."Ariana, is your surname Gray? And do you know him?" Luke whispered in my ears. I sweated, closing my eyes, scowling, and turned without answering him."Please take a seat," Mr. Connell said. I could see his expression different from before. It's soft rather than stern, and his voice has concern and affection. Affection? But I have never seen this feeling for myself. I either get sympathy or anger, and concern too, I got, but that too also in the form of pity. So why does Mr. Connell have this expression?I looked at my friends to understand what was happening, but their condition was worse than mine. Their eyes popped out, and I could hear their murmurs, "Is he Mr. Connell?
"Aiden's POV"That caretaker swerved towards me, and shock was the least deserving word that could reflect my emotions after recognizing that girl. She fluttered her eyes, trying to say something through them, perhaps wanting me to keep our encounter a secret.I too don't want to announce this to anyone, as it would be highly humiliating. How am I even supposed to tell others that I helped someone? Moreover, they won't believe me. Yes, she is that person whom I helped for the first and last time.I mean, it’s Ariana Gray. She is standing here with a high ponytail, holding a water can, and some mud over her chin, making it crystal clear that she works here."You?" She whispered, which caused me to come out of the initial shock, but she still had the same expression - terror.Yeah, it can be easily seen on her face. Mr. Smith excused himself, sidling a little after getting a call.Well, I was in shock because of her sudden appearance before me, not seeing her work as a caretaker, as I go
At that moment, as I waited for Grandpa’s final demand, I knew that no matter the demand, I would accept them. As I have to keep striving to be the leader I aspired to become, and I would never let my past define my future again. This was my chance to rise above my mistakes and prove that I was ready to take on the responsibility and lead the company to a brighter future. Also I needed to show Ryan and his father their true place."But for that, you need to fulfil my condition," Grandpa said after a moment and took a file which was kept on the table. I noticed this earlier too but shrugged my thoughts."Take this file and read it. I clearly mentioned not only my shares but," he halted for a moment then continued, "Also, I am willing to give you an opportunity to enter the hospitality sector."An enticing offer! It was always my ambition to try something different from my predecessors. They started their luck in the technology sector and got immense success, and then I only carried that
Ariana’s POV"You," I whispered, filled with despair and fear as Mr. Fierce appeared before me. The worst part is that I am completely unprepared to face him or provide any explanation.It's frustrating to see my luck constantly working against me. I wish for just a moment of mercy from fate. Yet, why am I complaining? Deep down, I should have anticipated that some kind of situation like this could arise.But why is he here? Did he follow me for some insignificant reason? What a penny-pincher. If he truly were stingy, he could have taken all the money from my wallet, but instead, he seems devoid of any compassion.Or perhaps, he missed something, which is why he's here. But why is Mr. Smith accompanying him? There's an aura of prosperity beaming from Mr. Smith's face.Isn't Mr. Smith supposed to be picking up Aiden Connell, Grandfather's grandson, who could arrive any moment? Why is he here with this man, wasting his time?Doesn't Mr. Smith knows how impatient Grandpa is to meet Aiden?
Ariana's POVSilence hung between us as we continued walking. I couldn't decipher what was going on in Mr. Connell's mind, but I felt a sense of delight, deciding to put aside the favor issue and stay focused on the present.Although my perspective toward him had shifted slightly, I couldn't say it had changed entirely.Entering the hall, I intended to call Grandpa, but Mr. Connell stopped me, informing me that Grandpa was on his way. His next words surprised me initially but then triggered a reaction in me."Try acting," he suggested. The thought of acting made me retreat back into my guarded state.Before I could respond, Grandpa approached us. I reminded myself not to forget who Mr. Connell was and how dangerous it could be to mess with him, especially considering he knew my secret.I gratefully thanked Grandpa for stepping in, cherishing him like an angel in my life. However, inwardly, I couldn't help but be cautious about the situation. The encounter with Mr. Connell left me with