clutches of fate

Fake marriage is chapter 1...there was a little mix-up

Chapter 2:

Alice's POV

The midday sun cast a brilliant glare over the city, bouncing off the towering glass buildings as our sleek black SUV navigated through the bustling streets toward the restaurant. I leaned back in my seat, fingers tapping restlessly against the door handle as my mind wandered back to the stranger from the airport. I couldn’t believe I'd actually considered speaking to him, let alone involving him in my half-baked plan.

But just as quickly as he'd caught my attention, he'd disappeared—distracted by a phone call, his focus directed elsewhere. Yet, somehow, he’d left a lasting impression, like a song stuck in my head. The intensity in his eyes when they met mine stayed with me, a curious spark I couldn’t shake.

Perhaps it was a blessing in disguise. A stranger for a fake marriage? I must’ve been losing my mind.

Caroline’s voice brought me back to the present. "Alice, are you sure this meeting tonight is a good idea? We could always reschedule, maybe take some time to regroup."

I shook my head. "No, I need to stay on top of this. If there’s any chance of salvaging things with the board, I have to take it. They’re already on edge because of Nick’s scandal."

"Alright," she replied, offering a supportive smile. "But try to unwind a little, or you’ll end up intimidating anyone who even thinks of disagreeing with you."

I managed a small laugh, though the tension hadn’t entirely dissipated. "I’ll do my best."

We pulled up to the restaurant, a place known for its exclusivity and sophistication. Stepping out, I forced myself to shake off any lingering thoughts of the past few days. Tonight was about business, not about mysterious encounters in airports.

But as I walked in, I spotted a figure at the bar—dark hair, broad shoulders, and an unmistakable air of quiet confidence. My heart skipped. It was him, the stranger.

For a second, I questioned my senses, but he turned slightly, and there was no mistaking it. He was here, leaning against the bar, lost in his own world.

My pulse quickened, and before I could overthink it, I found myself heading toward him.

As I neared, he looked up, our eyes meeting. Recognition flared in his expression, but he remained composed, his gaze just as intense as I remembered.

“Didn’t expect to see you again,” I said, keeping my tone light.

A faint smile curved his lips. "Neither did I," he replied smoothly. His voice was exactly as I’d imagined—deep and steady. "Seems like a small world."

“Or maybe the universe has a sense of humor,” I countered, trying to ignore the flutter in my chest.

He nodded as if he understood perfectly. Then, extending a hand, he said, “Alex.”

“Alice,” I replied, noting the warmth of his grip.

“Alice,” he repeated, as though savoring my name. “Good to meet you—officially.”

I chuckled. "Yes, no urgent calls this time."

A slight smirk crossed his face. "Business waits for no one."

“Believe me, I know,” I replied. “I was half-tempted to find you and finish that almost-conversation."

“Wouldn’t have blamed you,” he said, his gaze holding mine just a second too long. “But it looks like fate saved you the trouble.”

“Fate,” I echoed, as the word hung in the air. It felt like something more than coincidence, but I shrugged it off, forcing my tone to stay casual. “So, are you here for business, or just to relax?”

“Business,” he replied with a knowing smirk, “though I wouldn’t mind a little of the latter.”

I smiled, and before I realized it, I’d taken a seat beside him, feeling surprisingly at ease. “So, Alex,” I ventured, trying to learn more about him without overstepping. “What sort of work drags you across continents?”

“A little of everything,” he answered, his tone evasive but playful. “And you? You strike me as someone who doesn’t come to places like this without purpose.”

I hesitated before replying. "I run a company," I said simply. "Or at least, I’m doing my best to keep it going."

“Impressive,” he noted, his gaze appreciative. “Most people here dabble in business, but you… you seem different.”

His words caught me off guard, and I couldn’t help but smile. "Observant, aren’t you?"

“Just selective,” he said, his intense scrutiny returning. "You don’t seem like someone who leaves much to chance."

"Normally, I don’t," I admitted. "But sometimes, chance has a way of surprising you."

“Interesting,” he mused. “So, Alice… do you believe in fate?”

After a brief pause, I replied, “I believe we shape our own destinies. But every now and then, fate might give us a little push.”

Our eyes met, and the noise of the restaurant faded into the background. There was an unspoken connection, and I had to remind myself to breathe.

“So,” he said after a moment, breaking the silence. “What happens next?”

“Next?” I echoed, uncertain if he was talking about the conversation, the night, or something else entirely. “Well… maybe fate has a say in that, too.”

He chuckled, a low sound that sent a small thrill through me. “Or maybe we do.”

Before I could respond, Caroline appeared, subtly reminding me that I was already running late. I tore my gaze from Alex, feeling a reluctant pang as I turned back to him.

"Seems business calls for me, too," I said, standing.

"Duty always does," he replied with a knowing smile, though there was something in his expression that hinted at a mutual reluctance.

“Well,” I said, forcing a composed smile, “it was nice meeting you again.”

“Likewise,” he said, extending his hand.

I took it, noting the slight hesitation before he let go. “Safe travels, Alice.”

As I walked away, I could feel his gaze lingering, a silent promise hanging between us. Something told me this wouldn’t be our last encounter, but whether that was destiny or choice, I couldn’t quite say.

Caroline gave me a curious look as we made our way to the private dining room. "So… what was that about?"

I shrugged, keeping my tone light. “Just a conversation.”

"Just a conversation?” She smirked. “I haven’t seen you smile so brightly in a while.”

"Let’s just say he was… interesting,” I murmured, my mind still half with Alex, replaying the magnetic pull in his gaze. But I quickly forced my focus back to the meeting at hand.

The private dining room exuded exclusivity, with polished mahogany and an air of seriousness that matched the mood of my board members. They were anxious—Nick’s scandal had stirred up their doubts, and this meeting was critical to restoring their faith.

I slipped into my seat, met by the scrutinizing gazes of the board.

“Alice,” began Mr. Thompson, one of the more senior members, his tone grave, “we need reassurances. The damage Nick has done… it’s shaken our confidence.”

I met his gaze steadily. “I understand, Mr. Thompson. That’s exactly why I’m here—to assure each of you that we have the situation under control.”

I launched into my plans, every word calculated to convey stability and resolve. Yet, thoughts of Alex flickered in and out, a quiet distraction that I had to shove aside.

By the end of the meeting, I’d managed to calm their concerns, at least enough to buy some time. As I gathered my things to leave, all I wanted was a hot bath and a night’s rest.

On the drive home, Alex's face resurfaced in my mind, and I found myself wondering if my impulsive plan was still worth pursuing.