Part-7 My Journey Begins.

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 POV

Sitting 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.