Ariana's POV:I stared at Mr. Fierce's photo in the business magazine and skimmed through some lines from his interview. "Tedious," I muttered, tossing the magazine onto the mattress and yawning.There was nothing in that magazine that intrigued me enough to read further about him. It was the same old story about the pressures he faced to carry on his family legacy, dealing with family controversies, his take on competition, what he likes, and what he dislikes. What is his opinion on love,sex, and marriage? Who was he his first crush and what is his philosophy of life?I decided not to strain my eyes any further with it. Truth be told, I wasn't interested in knowing more about him. Why should I be? It’s not like I’m going to meet him again. Or Perhaps would I?Let's not think much.But I had to admit, seeing his picture in the publication did make him look like a prominent businessman. Not that I cared much about reading business magazines, but I had once read the 5th edition due to my
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
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