Chapter 3: A Fresh Start

The crowd erupted in chaos as they watched Rhett walk out of the wedding, hand in hand with Laurel. He took her in his car and zoomed off immediately. Driving swiftly to an unknown location, he made a pit stop for Laurel at a shopping store for Laurel to have a change of clothes. Laurel was anxious about what his response would be, as they continued the journey in silence. Laurel couldn't help but speculate on whether he'd accept or reject her as his bride. Her thoughts were interrupted when Rhett stopped at a grand mansion, almost resembling a palace.

“Where are we?” Laurel inquired.

“At my house. Step down, Rhett answered, opening the car door for her.

Laurel entered the mansion, marveling at its beauty as Rhett invited her to have a seat.

Rhett sat beside her, making physical contact. As his gaze met hers, Laurel could feel shivers running down her spine. Taking in his strikingly handsome appearance, attractive muscles and even his sweet scent, she found herself yearning for him. Despite Rhett being the epitome of a dream man with his striking looks and billionaire status, it felt wrong to harbor any affection for her sister’s boyfriend.

“I can’t marry you, Laurel,” Rhett finally said, bringing Laurel back to reality.

Laurel found herself at a loss for words as Rhett delivered the bombshell right in front of her. She felt embarrassed. Anyway, what was she expecting? That a man she barely knew would accept to be her husband at the wedding? What a joke.

"W-why?" she stammered, eager for an explanation. But before Rhett could respond, Laurel interrupted.

"I know why. It's because I'm an orphan. You think I don't deserve love just because of that," she asserted, tears brimming in her eyes.

"But how is that my fault? Why are people so judgmental?" Laurel was now overwhelmed in tears, not giving Rhett a chance to speak.

“Laurel-“ Rhett tried to explain.

“It’s okay, I get it. At least you spared me from embarrassment in front of everyone. I’ll leave now.” She cut him off, standing up from her seat.

“You must be overwhelmed from the ceremony, at least stay over and you can leave tomorrow,” Rhett uttered as he held on to Laurel’s hand.

“I really hope we never see each other again,” Laurel said, pushing Rhett’s hand away from hers.

Laurel left Rhett’s mansion, hailing a cab straight to her and her ex-fiancé Andrew’s apartment. She had made up her mind to leave everyone behind, starting fresh in a new city, leaving behind the embarrassment and pain this city and its people had caused her.

Exiting the cab, she headed into the apartment. Thankfully, Andrew wasn’t present. She arranged all her belongings and disposed of the ones that were unnecessary. Gathering the rest of her belongings and the savings she had saved up over the years, she grabbed her passport and headed straight to the airport, determined to embark on a new chapter in her life.

***

ONE YEAR LATER

Laurel was back in Los Angeles. She let out a sigh and murmured, “I can’t believe I’m back in this city.”

Having spent a year in Oakland, she faced unexpected challenges, struggling to make ends meet. Despite numerous job interviews at prominent companies, success eluded her. She had eventually gotten a job as a Nanny in Oakland after six months of her arrival, but the pay wasn’t enough for her to feed herself, talk more of paying her rent and other expenses. It wasn’t what she wanted, but she had no choice than to return back to Los Angeles where things seemed more manageable.

Laurel had already secured an apartment previously through a house agent, ensuring distance from any of the people she knew in the past. She took a cab from the airport and went straight to the apartment. She unpacked and settled into her new place.

The following day marked her job interview; she prepared by taking a shower and resting for an early start. Ready and determined, Laurel went for the interview as a secretary for a small clothing company. Successfully completing the process, she returned home, overwhelmed with joy at landing the job. Financial stability was finally on its way to her.

Two weeks into her new role, Laurel adapted seamlessly. She formed friendships and found her female boss to be kind and supportive.

It was a good morning, and Laurel set out to work like every other weekday, appreciating the early sun and the birds soaring in the sky. She arranged her desk and prepared everything she needed for the day, waiting for her boss’ arrival.

"Good morning, Miss Shirley," Laurel greeted her boss as she entered the office.

"Good morning, Laurel. We have a significant day ahead. There's a meeting with potential investors today, so please prepare – you'll be joining me," Shirley responded, heading into her office.

She suddenly stopped, "Oh, and bear in mind, this meeting will decide if the investors will be investing in our company or not, so we must give our best," Shirley added, finally entering her office.

"Yes, ma'am, duly noted," Laurel replied.

Shirley invited Laurel into her office to provide a detailed briefing about the upcoming meeting, knowing it was Laurel's first conference since joining the company.

"Listen carefully," Shirley cautioned, "Our major goal is to secure an investment from the Opulentia Group." She emphasized on the significance, showing her a file that detailed the group's diverse ventures in hotels, broadcast channels, clothing lines, cosmetics, and so on.

"They're a major player in the whole of California, and their investment could prevent our company from facing bankruptcy in the future," Shirley explained.

"Yes, ma'am," Laurel acknowledged.

After preparing for the meeting, Laurel joined her boss three hours later as they entered the conference room where all the investors were now assembled.

Laurel and her boss greeted everyone present and made their way to their seats.

She was about taking her seat when suddenly, she heard a familiar voice beside her.

“Laurel?”