Amidst the pulsating urban backdrop, the tale of Alex's vengeance begins. He strides through the city's arteries with a sense of unwavering purpose, the city's cacophony fading into the background as his thoughts echo with a single name: Taylor. A name irrevocably tied to a past of betrayal and pain.
His grip tightens around the envelope concealed in his coat, a harbinger of the calculated vendetta that drives him. Inside rests a marriage contract, a document that will bind him to Taylor in a union orchestrated by their families. But for Alex, this contract isn't a declaration of love; it's a weapon in his quest for retribution.
In a corner of a quaint café, Taylor's presence is a study in enigma. Her fingers trace aimless patterns on the edge of her coffee cup, her thoughts shrouded by a cloud of mystery. Little does she know, Alex's intentions loom like a shadow, casting a pall over her unsuspecting presence.
Entering the café, Alex's gaze lands on Taylor. Familiarity flickers momentarily, a memory of a past that fuels his hatred. He masks the recognition and approaches her table, his voice calculated. "Mind if I join you?"
Taylor glances up, curiosity gleaming in her eyes. "Sure, go ahead."
As conversation ensues, Alex maintains a facade, crafting responses that reveal nothing of his true motives. Under the guise of a false identity, he navigates the verbal dance, his true purpose cloaked beneath layers of deceit.
Hours pass, punctuated by laughter and anecdotes. But Alex's attention remains fixed on his mission. He observes Taylor, committing her features to memory, stoking the fires of resentment that drive him forward. Every moment spent at that table reinforces his resolve to make her suffer.
With the café's closing, Alex rises to leave. There's a reluctance in his steps, a fleeting hesitation before he walks away. He holds the envelope closer, a talisman of his intention. Her family's involvement in his family's strife, real or perceived, has become the foundation of his thirst for revenge.
The city's luminous hues guide him through its labyrinthine streets. Alex grapples with his emotions, his hatred for Taylor intertwined with the turmoil of their unexpected encounter. The city, like an indifferent observer, bears witness to the storm that rages within him.
As the day draws to a close, Alex's purpose remains unyielding. He tried to give her the marriage contract file but thought against it, Taylor is a pawn in the game he's orchestrating, a pawn that he's determined to manipulate for his own ends. On his way out he picks up his phone to calls someone, "Call her and tell her your Self".
* * * * * * *
As the city's rhythm continued to pulse around her, Taylor found herself at a nearby park, sharing her café encounter with her best friend, Kelsy. The sun cast a warm glow over their conversation, yet Taylor's thoughts remained in the shadow of the enigmatic stranger she had just met.
"He was so mysterious, Kels," Taylor exclaimed, a mix of excitement and uncertainty in her voice. She twirled a strand of her hair absentmindedly, her gaze distant as she recounted the encounter.
Kelsy leaned back on the park bench, an amused grin tugging at the corner of her lips. "Mysterious, huh? Well, do tell. What happened?"
Taylor chuckled nervously, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "Well, I was just sitting there, lost in my thoughts, when he walked up and asked if he could join me."
Kelsy's eyebrows raised in mock surprise. "Oh, the audacity! And did you let him?"
Taylor rolled her eyes playfully. "Of course! I mean, he seemed polite enough, and I thought a little company wouldn't hurt."
Kelsy's laughter filled the air, a contagious sound that lightened Taylor's heart. "So, what did you guys talk about?"
Taylor fidgeted with the edge of her shirt, her smile growing. "Random things, you know. He told me about his travels, his hobbies… even mentioned he's new to the city."
Kelsy's eyes twinkled mischievously. "And?"
Taylor's cheeks grew warmer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "And he's actually really attractive. Like, really attractive, Kels."
Kelsy burst into laughter, a joyous sound that echoed through the park. "Oh my, Taylor! I can't believe you're swooning over a complete stranger."
Taylor's cheeks flushed even deeper, a mixture of embarrassment and amusement. "I know, I know. But there was something about him – this air of mystery, I guess. And his eyes, they were intense."
Kelsy nudged her playfully. "Intense, huh? This could be the start of an urban romance novel, you know."
Taylor's laughter joined Kelsy's, a harmonious blend of shared moments. "Oh, stop it, Kels! I'm serious though. I might have actually liked talking to him."
Kelsy's expression softened, her gaze warm with understanding. "Well, then, that's something, isn't it? Just take it one step at a time, Tay. You never know what the city has in store for you."
Taylor leaned against the bench, a contemplative smile on her lips. "Yeah, you're right. But you know what's crazy?"
Kelsy quirked an eyebrow. "What?"
Taylor looked down at her hands, her tone softer. "Despite the whole idea of arranged marriages and marrying a stranger, I think I might actually like him."
Kelsy's laughter subsided, replaced by a knowing smile. "Hey, stranger things have happened, right? Maybe this is just the twist your story needs."
Taylor nodded, a mixture of uncertainty and excitement swirling within her. "Maybe, Kels. May....."
Mid-sentence, Taylor's phone chimed, startling her. With a puzzled expression, she picked up the call, her father's voice resonating through the receiver. His tone carried a sense of urgency as he instructed her to come to his office immediately.
Kelsy watched Taylor's expression shift from curiosity to concern. "What's going on?"
Taylor sighed, her fingers tapping nervously against her phone. "I have no idea, Kels. My dad wants me to come to his office right now. He sounded serious."
Kelsy offered a reassuring smile. "Maybe it's just some family matter. Go see what's up. I'll be here when you get back."
With a nod of gratitude, Taylor pocketed her phone and quickly made her way to her father's office. Her heart raced, thoughts racing through her mind about what could have prompted this abrupt summons.
Upon entering her father's office, Taylor found him pacing back and forth, his expression a mixture of concern and determination. "Taylor, come in. Close the door."
Taylor complied, her heart pounding as she took a seat. "Dad, what's going on? You sounded really serious on the phone."
Her father's gaze softened as he took a deep breath. "Taylor, there's something I need to discuss with you. It's about a matter that concerns our family's future."
Taylor's curiosity grew, her eyes locked onto her father's face. "What is it, Dad?"
Her father cleared his throat, his tone measured. "Taylor, you know how our family's financial situation has been challenging lately. In order to secure our standing and ensure a stable future, we've made a decision."
Taylor's brow furrowed, a mix of anticipation and apprehension welling up. "What kind of decision?"
Her father's gaze met hers, unwavering. "We've entered into a contract marriage agreement with another family. This alliance will provide the stability we need, but it requires your cooperation."
The weight of his words settled over Taylor, realization dawning upon her. "A contract marriage?"
Her father nodded, his expression somber. "Yes, Taylor. It's a necessary step for our family's well-being. The other family's son will be your partner in this. You won't be married immediately, but the preparations will begin soon."
Taylor's heart raced, the enormity of the situation sinking in. She swallowed hard, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "But… who is this person? Do I know him?"
Her father's gaze faltered for a moment before he answered, "I'll be honest, Taylor. We've agreed not to reveal the identity until later. It's part of the arrangement. You'll have time to get to know him before the marriage takes place."
Taylor's mind raced, a sense of helplessness gnawing at her. "Dad, I can't believe this. I have someone I like, someone I just got to know. I can't just enter into a marriage like this."
Her father's expression softened, sympathy in his eyes. "Taylor, I understand your feelings. But this is a decision we've made for the family's future. Your happiness is important to us, and we hope that with time, you'll come to accept this arrangement."
Tears welled up in Taylor's eyes, a mixture of frustration and despair. "Dad, I beg you, please. I have someone I really care about. Please, reconsider."
Her father's shoulders sagged as he watched his daughter's distress. He took a deep breath before responding, "Taylor, I can't promise anything right now. But I promise to listen to what you have to say. Let's talk about this again after some time."
As Taylor left her father's office, emotions surged within her. The weight of an impending contract marriage, shrouded in secrecy, left her torn between her family's expectations and her own desires. The sun had long set, and the city's lights illuminated her path as she made her way back to Kelsy.
As they reunited, Kelsy looked at Taylor's tearful eyes, concern etched on her face. "Taylor, what happened?"
Taylor's voice trembled as she recounted the conversation with her father, the revelation of the impending contract marriage. Her heartache spilled over as she voiced her plea to be heard.
Kelsy held her friend's hand, her voice gentle. "Taylor, I'm so sorry you're going through this. But remember, sometimes life takes unexpected turns. Maybe there's more to this than meets the eye."
Tears continued to stream down Taylor's cheeks, but Kelsy's words offered a glimmer of hope amid the uncertainty. As they sat under the city's starlit sky, Taylor's heart grappled with the collision of her family's expectations and her own desires, a crossroads that would shape the course of her intertwined fate.