Chapter Two

Ryan had been single for several years, ever since his last serious relationship ended badly. He had once been in love, or at least he had believed he was, until he discovered that the woman he trusted had been cheating on him. The experience had left him with little desire to put himself in that position again.

Since then, he had made a decision to keep women at a distance. He enjoyed their company, the attention, and the excitement of meeting someone new, but he had no interest in commitment. Flings and one-night stands were more than enough for him.

He had money, a successful business, and the freedom to live however he pleased. He wasn't about to complicate his life with a relationship.

Besides, there was always another beautiful woman waiting to get his attention.

He pushed the sheets aside and got out of bed.

As he walked towards the bathroom, he caught sight of his clothes scattered across the bedroom floor. He shook his head slightly and stepped inside, turning on the shower.

The warm water washed away the remaining traces of sleep, although it did little to ease the pounding in his head. He had clearly overdone it with the drinks the previous night.

After showering, he dried himself and returned to the bedroom. He opened his wardrobe and selected a perfectly tailored suit. He paired it with a crisp white shirt, slipped his feet into a pair of expensive black leather shoes, and fastened his silver wristwatch.

He adjusted his cuffs before taking one last look in the mirror.

At thirty-four, Ryan Callahan had built an empire most people could only dream of. He was a billionaire businessman, the head of a successful company, and the owner of several luxurious properties. His Manhattan penthouse was just one of many luxurious properties he owned.

Everything in his home was luxurious, elegant, and perfectly arranged. Yet, despite having everything money could buy, he rarely spent enough time there to enjoy it.

He picked up his phone, checked his schedule, and walked out of the bedroom.

His driver was already waiting for him in the private garage.

"Good morning, sir."

Ryan gave a brief nod and got into the back seat.

"Morning. To the office."

The driver nodded and took his place behind the wheel.

They pulled out of the garage and joined the morning traffic. Ryan leaned back, loosened his tie slightly, and closed his eyes. His head was still throbbing, so he pressed two fingers against his temple.

He had an important meeting with his executive team at eleven. The last thing he needed was a headache distracting him while he reviewed the company's latest reports.

He needed coffee. Strong coffee.

"Could you stop at the Corner Bistro on the way?" he asked, opening his eyes.

The Corner Bistro was one of his usual breakfast spots in Manhattan.

"Certainly, sir. Would you like me to go in and get it for you?"

"No, I'll get it myself."

The driver nodded and continued down the road.

Ryan had a driver, personal assistants, and enough staff to handle almost every little detail of his day. But there were certain things he preferred doing himself. Getting his morning coffee was one of them. It had become a routine he rarely skipped.

He liked choosing his own coffee, ordering his own meals, and taking care of little things without having someone constantly hovering around him. He had no problem paying people to make his life easier, but that didn't mean he needed someone doing absolutely everything for him.

A few minutes later, the car pulled up outside the Corner Bistro

Ryan stepped out, straightened his suit jacket, and walked towards the entrance. The place was already busy, with customers seated near the windows and others waiting in line.

He went up to the counter and placed his order.

"One large black coffee, please."

A few minutes later, his order was ready. He collected the cup, gave the attendant a brief nod, and made his way towards the exit, his mind already occupied with the meeting scheduled for later that morning.

He didn't notice the woman walking towards him, her eyes fixed on her phone, until he looked up.

He quickly tried to move aside, but there was barely enough time.

"Watch out!" he shouted.

But it was already too late.