Part - 1 Comma in my life

Part 1:

Ariana's POV

I remember leaving the house and trudging through the forest, my body trembling with every rustle of a leaf that fell on me, my imagination turning it into a slithering snake. I used to get startled by bushes brushing against my skin, mistaking them for lurking animals. Eventually, I made it to the highway.

Sighing with relief and wiping the sweat from my brow, I adjusted my heavy backpack and smiled, extending my hands to the sky. I knew this new journey would be difficult, but I was prepared to fight because it would be worth it. I walked alone, praying for a passing car or truck to give me a ride away from this area, but it seemed that luck was not on my side.

Once again, my smile faded as a comma interrupted my thoughts, and fear gripped my heart. A group of men appeared on the road, and as soon as they spotted me, they exchanged glances on their mobile phones before scanning me from head to toe, nodding in agreement. They dismounted their motorcycles and started moving toward me.

As soon as I saw them, I turned and began to run. Glancing behind me, I saw that they were chasing me. I didn't know who they were or why they were after me. Just when I thought I had enough problems, they came along as the cherry on top.

I needed to run faster; otherwise, they would catch me, and I had no idea what they would do to me. So I pushed myself harder, but deep down, I knew it was futile. Their footsteps were closing in, and their voices became clearer.

"Stop running; it's useless," a voice called from behind. Did they honestly think I would surrender to them? No, I was determined to save myself.

"Capture her, or Joseph will kill us."

Oh, dear God. I should have known that no one could be as despicable as my cousin, Joseph. First, I was running from an unwanted marriage, and now it seemed I had to flee to protect my dignity from him. Joseph is my cousin, but he never saw me as family. To him, I was just an object of desire that he wanted in his bed.

Amidst the voices of those men, I heard the sound of a car horn. Perhaps I could be saved from them. While it was rare for any car to pass by on this road, today luck might be on my side. I needed to approach the car's owner and hope that my luck would continue to hold.

I was on the verge of stepping into the middle of the road to stop the car, but with the goons closing in on me, I stumbled and accidentally collided with the car. What just happened? As I tried to process it, I fell onto the road, only to be startled by a voice.

"I'm sorry, ma'am, for hitting you. Are you alright?"

I lifted my head to see a man in his mid-50s looking at me apologetically. I shook my head, indicating that I wasn't alright, and blew air over my elbow where some scratches and blood had appeared.

"Please help me," I pleaded to him, but when I turned my head back, I was amazed to find no one there who had been chasing me just seconds ago. They must have been hiding nearby.

"What the hell?" someone screamed from inside the car. I looked at the driver, whose expression had tensed up.

"Sir, a girl got into an accident with our car," the driver explained, facing away from me. I felt a pang of guilt as it wasn't his fault. I had intentionally come in front of the car, but for now, I chose to keep that a secret, as they were my last hope.

"She needs help," the hesitant voice of the driver shattered my hope. Perhaps his boss was unwilling to assist me. I sighed, bracing myself for another encounter with a heartless individual.

But before I could hear anything further or personally speak to the boss, dizziness overcame me. My eyes grew heavy, and my body went numb.

I couldn't comprehend their conversation anymore, and soon the driver turned towards me, bowing his head and saying something. However, I wasn't in a position to listen. My eyes finally closed, and the last thing I felt was my head hitting the surface.

………………

Aiden's POV

After successfully sealing the deal, I sat in the car and glanced at the magazine, smirking at my photo on the cover. It was nothing new, but this time it held a different significance. This business magazine used to feature my rival for the past 10 years, but now it was me. This was just the beginning of my reign. I knew I was destined to rule. I put the magazine away and looked outside—it was nearly evening. I remembered that I had to sign a file, so I took it out of my briefcase and began going through it. It was a contract paper.

Lost in my thoughts, I snapped back to reality when the car abruptly came to a halt. Mr. Baker looked at me apologetically before hastily getting out of the car.

Glancing at my watch, which displayed past eight-fifteen, I stepped out of the car, annoyed. "What the hell?" I yelled.

Mr. Baker turned to me and explained, "A girl got in an accident and needs help."

I chuckled, thinking it was the same old tactic. It wasn't the first time someone deliberately jumped in front of my car, seeking assistance, only to later try to seduce me. I despised people who played such games.

"No need, let's go," I said dismissively, turning my head away.

"Ma'am, sorry, but sir denied," Mr. Baker replied. "Please wait here; I will call a taxi for her."

I shook my head, considering Mr. Baker a fool for falling into someone else's trap. "Mr. Baker, I believe you really want to get fired," I stated, looking at my watch. Mr. Baker glanced at me, then turned his attention back to the girl.

"Mr. Baker," I called out to him, causing him to tremble.

"Sir, the girl has fainted," he informed me. I laughed at this and crouched down before the dramatic girl.

"Hey, enough with the theatrics. Find another stage or I'll roll my car over you," I curtly said, patting her cheeks. But to my surprise, not only had she actually fainted, but she also had a high fever.

I stood up, moved toward my car, and was about to get in when I paused and said, "Put that girl in the backseat."

"What? You want us to stay here and wait for Ms. Problematic to regain consciousness, only to have her potentially sue me?" I sarcastically remarked, seeing Mr. Baker frozen in his spot.

Mr. Baker shook his head, collected Ms. Problematic, and approached me. I shot him a glance as he stood there, gazing at me.

"Sir, the door," he mumbled. I chuckled and opened the door, thinking, "Wow, what a day! The great CEO, known for torching others, is opening the door for someone."

After making sure the girl was safely placed in the backseat, Mr. Baker took his position as the driver. As for me, I remained outside, contemplating where I should sit. I didn't like sitting in the front seat, nor did I appreciate sharing a seat with someone. After struggling with myself for a moment, I finally opened the passenger seat door and settled there.

Mr. Baker began driving, and I adjusted myself in the seat, glancing at the girl whose face was obscured by her hair.

...

Leaning against the back seat, lost in thoughts about my schedule for the next day, I was abruptly pulled from my reverie as the car jerked to a stop. Instinctively, I reached out to save the girl from falling, and I looked at Mr. Baker, who appeared pale.

"Sir, the car stopped," Mr. Baker meekly stated. I sneered at his words and said, "You're testing my patience. Go and see what happened."

Mr. Baker hurried out of the car and returned after a few minutes, knocking on the window. I rolled it down, waiting for him to speak, but it seemed like the cat had gotten his tongue.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"Sir, the engine is damaged. We need a mechanic, but this is a remote area, so finding one won't be easy," Mr. Baker explained. Ah, that's why he was hesitant to say anything.

I sighed, feeling exasperated, and loosened my tie. Taking off my watch, I leaned back, saying, "Look for a motel."

I had no intention of spending the whole night in the car, especially not with Ms. Problematic. I vowed that once she regained consciousness, I would get rid of her. Ever since I met her, everything had spiraled out of control.

Mr. Baker went off to find a motel, and I blinked my eyes, looking at the girl whose lips trembled as she muttered something. I was inclined to ignore her, but she clutched my hand, sobbing and muttering, "Aunt, Uncle, trust me."

Her words made me uncomfortable, and memories flooded back, causing my breathing to become uneven.

"Sir, there is a motel a short distance away. You can go there. I'll stay here with the car and pick you up tomorrow," Mr. Baker's voice brought me back to reality. I glanced at him and stepped out of the car.

I was about to walk away when I noticed that the girl's tears had soaked my sleeves. I sighed and turned back, only to find Mr. Baker frowning as he looked at the girl. Shaking my head, I cleared my throat to gain his attention.

"Yes, sir. Do you need anything?" Mr. Baker asked, bowing his head. I didn't say anything to him; I simply walked ahead, opened the car door, and lifted the girl into my arms.

"Come as soon as the car is repaired," I said as I walked away. I could see Mr. Baker's eyes widening, but he didn't dare to ask me anything. That's why he had been with me since the beginning of my business—he knew what I disliked the most. I suppose if someone else were in his position, they would have either quit or been fired.

But I thought to give him a chance as he is one of the trustworthy persons.

………..

I looked around the motel, which was far from luxurious, but I had to compromise for the time being. I entered the building and glanced at the manager, who was engrossed in a phone call. Rolling my eyes at the lackluster surroundings, I noticed the quiet atmosphere.

"Welcome, sir! What type of room would you like?" the manager asked.

"Whichever is the best you have to offer," I arrogantly replied, flaunting my wealth. I enjoyed showcasing my money and rudeness, but this time it was for a different reason.

"Of course, sir," the manager responded with a professional smile, though his drained expression was visible beneath it.

"Sir, here are the keys," the manager said, approaching me with just one key. Upon hearing my question, he stepped back in confusion.

"Forget it. Come with me," I said, walking with him. Initially, I had contemplated getting separate rooms for myself and the girl, but that didn't seem like a good idea anymore.

The manager led the way and opened the door for me, extending his hand as he said, "Is there anything else you need, sir?"

"Call a doctor and room service," I instructed, entering the room and placing the unconscious girl on the bed. I surveyed the room, noting that it wasn't great but not entirely unpleasant for a night's stay.

"Of course, sir. Is there anything else you require?" the manager asked before leaving, observing me shake my head in response.

I plugged in my mobile to charge and looked at the girl, still in her unconscious state. What bad luck she had stumbled upon today—well, it was my mistake for falling into Mr. Baker's trap and deciding to help her.

I decided to take a shower to cool down and contemplate what I should do with her later.

To be continued.