Chapter 2: Missed Opportunity

Zinnia

I wanted the ground to open and swallow me up. For some reason, I couldn’t even seem to get off his body.

I just lay there stuck on him.

Good heavens.

What kind of nonsense luck was this?

“GET OFF HIM.” Someone yelled loudly and before I could even process what was happening, a strong pair of hands grabbed my arm and yanked me up.

I stumbled slightly, my heel nearly giving way again, but I managed to steady myself this time.

“What is wrong with you?” the man snapped, positioning himself protectively in front of Dylan as if I had just attempted to murder him.

I blinked, still trying to recover from the fall and from the fact that I had just landed on Dylan Reed of all people.

I looked around to see that a lot of eyes were on us and there were lots of whispers going on.

Damn… I had forgotten that Dylan was indeed now a popular celebrity.

“I…I’m sorry,” I stammered quickly, brushing invisible dust off my dress. “It was an accident, I didn’t mean to…”

“You people are always the same,” the man cut in, clearly not interested in anything I had to say. “Throwing yourselves at him like this is unacceptable behavior.”

My brows furrowed. What did he mean by you people? And why would he even think I was throwing myself at Dylan? I mean Dylan of all people?

Excuse me?

“I wasn’t throwing myself at anyone,” I said, my embarrassment slowly turning into irritation. “I literally tripped…”

“Wyatt,” Dylan called out calmly and the man in front of me, who I am assuming is the owner of that name turned to look at him.

“Are you okay?” Wyatt asked immediately.

So… Wyatt.

I would guess he was Dylan’s manager or friend if I had to because why else would he be hovering around like a bodyguard and almost breaking my waist just because I made Dylan fall?

Dylan rose to his feet with effortless ease, brushing off his suit like nothing had happened.

Meanwhile, I was here fighting for my dignity.

“I’m fine,” he replied.

He didn’t spare me a glance or even acknowledge me. Why was he acting like he didn’t know me? I was very sure he had recognized me.

The look he gave me earlier gave it away, there was no way he didn’t so why was he acting like this?

Why was he pretending not to know me? Was he really still an arrogant piece of shit?

I frowned slightly.

“Let’s go,” Wyatt said, still eyeing me like I was some kind of threat.

Dylan didn’t say another word. He simply walked past me, like I was someone he didn’t have the slightest idea who they were.

Wow.

I stood there for a moment, stunned, then reality came crashing back. I still had to hurry up for my meeting with Juliet.

“Shit.”

I turned quickly and rushed back toward the entrance, my heart pounding wildly in my chest.

Focus, Zinnia.

This is not the time to be thinking about Dylan Reed and his unnecessary attitude, you have bigger problems.

I approached the entrance again, but this time I didn’t stop at the same security guard. Instead, I moved along the side, scanning quickly for any opportunity that could get me inside.

Then I saw it.

A group of catering staff pushing in a cart, laughing about something I couldn’t quite hear.

Without thinking twice, I grabbed the edge of my clutch tighter and slipped in behind them, lowering my head slightly like I belonged there.

My heart was pounding so loudly I was sure someone would hear it. I had only taken about three steps when someone called out and I froze.

Oh God.

This is it.

I slowly turned, forcing a polite expression.

“Yes?”

The staff member looked at me, confused for a second, then his attention shifted behind me.

“Move the cart properly, you’re blocking the entrance.” He said and relief washed through me.

“Yes, sorry,” I murmured quickly, turning back and continuing to walk.

And just like that…

I was in.

I exhaled shakily, glancing around. The inside was even more breathtaking than the outside but I didn’t have time to admire its beauty.

I straightened my shoulders and moved, my eyes scanning the room for Juliet Wilder.

It took less than two minutes for me to find her, perfect! Now I just had to go to her and explain the reason why I was late.

I took a deep breath and walked toward her. When I finally reached her, I waited politely until her conversation ended.

“Mrs. Wilder?” I said, my voice calm despite the storm inside me. “Good evening. I’m Zinnia Carter, we had a meeting scheduled.”

She looked at me briefly like she was assessing me then her face turned indifferent.

“You’re late.” She said simply and my stomach dropped.

“I apologize, there was a slight…”

“I don’t tolerate lateness,” she cut in smoothly. “Especially not for something of this importance.”

“Please, if you could just give me a few minutes, I can explain…” I tried to plead but she cut in again.

“There’s no need, you may take your leave.” She said coldly and I felt like the air had been knocked out of my lungs.

Was she not at least going to give me a chance to explain?

“This contract required seriousness, and punctuality is the bare minimum. It was stated there in the email…“Don't be late”, so you have yourself to blame, please take your leave.” She said and I swallowed hard, my throat suddenly dry.

“I understand,” I said quietly, even though I wanted to scream that she didn’t.

She didn’t say anything else to me and just walked away. I wanted to cry my ass out. Did I just lose such a great opportunity because of my forgetfulness?

I stood there for a moment, unable to move. Then slowly… I turned around and began walking.

I couldn’t help but feel bitter, weeks of preparation and hope all gone just because I forgot one stupid invitation and then Ailany had also taken too long.

Because…

“Zinnia!” A voice called and I paused in my tracks. Wasn’t that Ailany?

I turned to see that she was standing there holding a drink and laughing. Looking like she didn’t have a single care in the world.

Something inside me snapped.

“You’re here?” I said, my voice dangerously calm.

She smiled. “Yes! I came in a while ago, I was looking for you…”

“A while ago?” I repeated, her smile faltered slightly.

“I mean…”

“You came in a while ago,” I echoed, stepping closer. “And you didn’t think to look for me outside? You didn’t think to bring the invitation you were supposed to bring?”

“I got delayed…”

“Delayed?” I laughed bitterly. “Delayed doing what? Having fun?”

“That’s not fair…”

“Do you have any idea what you just cost me?” My voice cracked despite my effort to stay composed.

“This contract wasn’t just a job,” I continued, my chest tightening. “It was everything.”

I shook my head, trying to steady myself.

“We have debts, Ailany. Debts that keep piling up. Mum is not getting any stronger and you’re here, drinking and laughing like none of that matters.”

“That’s not true,” she said softly.

“Then what is true?” I snapped and she went silent.

I exhaled sharply, running a hand through my hair. “I can’t do this right now,” I muttered.

I really couldn’t take any more today, I needed air and I needed to be as far away from her as possible.

I turned to leave, my vision slightly blurred as I walked quickly toward the exit.

I just needed to get out. Before I completely lost it.

But of course…

Today wasn’t done with me yet, because the moment I turned the corner, I walked straight into someone again.

“Seriously…” I began, already frustrated, then I looked up and my words died instantly.

It was Dylan again.

Oh my goodness, what exactly had I done today to deserve all of this today?