Chapter 1- Collision of fates

Summerville City, York State..

Summerville City ran on ambition. It was a place where the powerful rose above the rest, their towering buildings like monuments to success over everyone else. The rich had their say, and everyone else? They just fell in line.

At the heart of it all stood Galaxy Empire Tower—an eighty-six-story testament to wealth and control. It wasn’t just a building; it was the crown of the city. And at its peak, sat the man who ruled it.

Alexander Harris stood in his office, his eyes cutting through the city below as if he could control it all with just a thought.

His shoulders were broad in his sharp suit, his posture relaxed, but everything about him screamed power. His expression?

Cold.

Distant.

This city was his. Every deal, every contract, every defeated opponent—it all belonged to him.

Behind him, his assistant, Earl Frost, waited with the precision of someone used to delivering bad news.

"Sir, Mr. Trevor signed the papers for the Southern District."

Alex’s lips twitched.

Trevor had been stubborn, trying to hold onto his piece of land. But Alex had broken him, just like he’d done with so many before. One threat, one signature, and the land was his.

"Good," Alex said, his voice flat. "Start the construction."

Earl hesitated, his voice cautious. "Ms. Croft arrived yesterday. The old lady set up a meeting for you both this afternoon."

A flicker of irritation crossed Alex's face.

Hailee Croft.

His grandmother had been pushing for years to marry her off to him. Hailee was beautiful, well-bred, and from a respected family—a perfect match for someone like him. But Alex didn’t care for perfection. Or love.

He clenched his jaw, irritation bubbling up. "Cancel it."

Earl didn’t question him. He simply nodded and left, and Alex was left alone with the weight of his empire.

His grandmother didn’t understand. Marriage, in his eyes, was just another transaction. And if he ever went through with it, it would be on his terms.

But tonight? He had better things to do.

*****

Across the City – Summer Spring Residences..

On the other side of Summerville, things were quieter. The Summer Spring Residences sat far from the city’s gleaming towers. Modest homes lined the streets, and everything felt still—almost forgotten.

Inside one of those houses, Eve Carson was shoving her uniform into a bag. She’d been working since high school, balancing jobs to make ends meet and support her studies.

"Are you going to work again?" Her younger brother Perry asked from the couch, his eyes glued to the TV.

"Yeah," Eve sighed, tucking her name tag into the bag. "Extra shift. Better tips."

Perry frowned. "I heard on the news that Galaxy Empire bought the Southern District."

Eve’s stomach tightened. "And?"

"I think that’s why Mom closed the shop early today."

Her heart sank. That couldn’t be good.

Before she could ask more, the door creaked open. Their mother, Ellie Carson, walked in with a heavy box of jewelry-making tools.

"Mom!" Eve rushed over, grabbing the box from her mother’s hands. "You shouldn’t be carrying that."

Ellie smiled softly. "I’m fine."

But Eve wasn’t convinced. Her mother had been struggling with headaches for weeks, brushing them off like they were nothing.

Perry spoke up again. "Mom, why’d you close the shop?"

Ellie sighed. "The new owners are starting construction next week. We have to vacate."

Eve’s hands clenched into fists.

Galaxy Empire Group.

Of course. The biggest, most powerful company in the city. Ruthless. Unforgiving.

And they didn’t care about who they trampled on to get what they wanted.

"Did they at least give you something?" Eve asked, her voice tight.

Ellie nodded, but her eyes were weary. "Yes, but it won’t last long."

Eve’s lips curled in a bitter smile. "Of course they did. They don’t care about people like us."

Ellie squeezed her daughter’s hand, trying to offer some comfort. "We’ll figure it out."

But Eve wasn’t sure anymore.

*****

Later That Night – At The Black Monarch..

It was a place reserved for the city’s elite. Dim lights, soft jazz in the background—it was where the rich came to unwind.

Alex sat in the VIP section, a glass of whiskey in his hand, surrounded by the familiar faces of his friends. Travis Fraser and Luke Carter, both old friends from boarding school.

Luke leaned back in his chair, swirling his drink. "You know, maybe next time we should bring some women. This is boring as hell."

Travis laughed. "That’s because you can’t sit still for more than five minutes without trying to get laid."

Luke smirked. "I’m serious. What’s the point of coming to a place like this if we’re not at least having some fun?"

Travis rolled his eyes. "You mean your fun."

Luke glanced at Alex. "What about you? You feeling the lack of company tonight?"

Alex’s face remained unmoved, his eyes sharp. "I’m fine."

Luke sighed. "Of course. Mr. Ice King over here."

Alex’s phone buzzed. His grandmother’s name flashed on the screen.

Without saying a word, Alex stood up and walked away, leaving his friends behind.

"Great," Luke muttered. "He’s pissed."

Travis shrugged. "He’s always pissed."

*****

Alex walked down the dimly lit hallway, the noise of the bar fading as he focused on the call. He answered without hesitation.

"Grandmother."

"You didn’t show up to the meeting today."

Alex’s jaw tightened. "Because I never agreed to it."

Her voice was calm, but Alex could hear the frustration in it. "Hailee is a good match for you. You’re being unreasonable."

"I don’t need a match," Alex replied, his voice sharp.

"You need to think about the future," she insisted.

"I am thinking about the future." He cut her off, his tone final. "This conversation is over."

Before she could argue, he hung up, slipping the phone back into his pocket.

Then, out of nowhere, someone collided with him.

"Ah—!"

Alex felt small hands push against his chest, and before he could react, he caught her waist instinctively, steadying her before she could fall.

He looked down, his gaze sharp.

She looked up at him, her hazel almond-shaped eyes filled with surprise. For a second, neither of them moved. The space between them felt too tight, too heavy.

Eve’s breath caught. His grip on her waist didn’t waver.

She spoke, her voice a whisper but firm. "Let go."

Alex’s grip tightened instead. He wasn’t sure why. But he didn’t let go.

And that, in a way, was the beginning of everything.