Chapter 2
Alice's POV
The midday sun blazed overhead, casting sharp reflections off the glassy high-rises and bustling streets as we made our way to the upscale restaurant. My fingers tapped restlessly against the door handle of the sleek black SUV,. I leaned back in my seat, tapping my nails against the armrest, mind still tangled with thoughts of the stranger I'd nearly approached at the airport. I couldn't believe I'd been bold enough to actually think of speaking to him, much less to consider him for my ridiculous plan.
And then he'd vanished. Just like that, his phone call, his focus somewhere else. I'd thought it was over, but something about him stayed with me, like a melody I couldn't shake. I could still remember the intensity in his eyes when they met mine, the way it felt like he was looking right into me, even if he didn't know a single thing about me.
Maybe it was for the best. A stranger for my fake marriage idea? I must've been losing my mind.
Caroline's voice pulled me out of my thoughts. "Alice, are you sure about this meeting tonight? We could reschedule—maybe take some time to strategize."
I shook my head. "No, I need to focus. This meeting could salvage things with the board. They're already riled up because of Nick's scandal, and I need to reassure them that everything's under control."
"Fine," she said, giving me an encouraging smile. "But at least try to unwind a bit, or you'll scare off anyone who even thinks of disagreeing with you."
I laughed, but the nerves still simmered under the surface. "I'll do my best."
We pulled up to the upscale restaurant, a place that boasted of exclusivity and elegance. I stepped out, shaking off the remnants of my frazzled thoughts. Tonight was about business, not chance encounters with strangers in airports.
But the moment I stepped inside, my eyes caught sight of someone at the bar, a familiar silhouette. Dark hair, broad shoulders, and an air of quiet intensity. It was him. The stranger from the airport.
For a split second, I wondered if I was hallucinating. But then he turned slightly, and there was no mistaking it—he was real, here, leaning casually against the bar, as if the universe itself had delivered him back to me. He hadn't noticed me, too preoccupied with his drink, gaze distant.
My heart raced, and before I could overthink it, I found myself walking over.
As I approached, he looked up, his eyes catching mine. The recognition flickered briefly across his face, but he kept his composure. Still, his gaze was just as intense as before, as if he were quietly studying me.
"Didn't expect to see you again," I said, managing a casual tone.
He raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a faint smile. "I didn't either." His voice was smooth, low—exactly what I'd imagined it would sound like. "I guess this is a small world."
"Or maybe the universe has a sense of humor," I replied, trying to keep my voice light despite the nerves tugging at me.
He nodded, as if he knew exactly what I meant. There was something unspoken between us, an understanding that felt strange and yet oddly comfortable. He extended a hand. "Alex."
I took it, noting the firm grip, the warmth of his skin. "Alice."
"Alice," he repeated, like he was tasting the sound of my name. "Nice to meet you… officially."
A chuckle escaped me. "Yes, no urgent phone calls this time."
The corner of his mouth lifted slightly. "Apologies for that. Business waits for no one."
"Believe me, I understand," I replied. "Though I was half-tempted to track you down and finish that almost-conversation."
"Wouldn't blame you," he said, his eyes holding mine for a beat longer than necessary. "But it looks like fate saved you the trouble."
"Fate," I echoed, letting the word linger between us. It felt like something more than coincidence, but I brushed the thought aside, keeping my tone light. "So, are you here for business too, or is this purely pleasure?"
"Business," he said with a smirk. "But I wouldn't mind the latter."
I felt a small thrill at his words, and before I knew it, I'd settled onto the stool beside him, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "So, Alex," I said, trying to gather more about him without giving too much away. "What do you do that's so pressing it drags you across continents?"
"A little of this, a little of that," he replied, evasive but with an amused glint in his eye. "What about you? A woman like you doesn't end up here without a good reason."
I hesitated, choosing my words carefully. "I run a company," I said simply. "Or at least, I'm doing my best to keep it running."
"Impressive," he said, looking genuinely intrigued. "Most people I meet here are just dabbling in the business world. But you… you seem different. Purposeful."
His words caught me off guard, and I couldn't help but smile. "You're observant."
"Just… selective," he replied, his eyes meeting mine with that same, intense scrutiny. "You don't strike me as someone who leaves much to chance."
"Normally, I don't," I admitted. "But sometimes chance has a funny way of sneaking up on you."
He looked thoughtful. "So, tell me, Alice. Do you believe in fate?"
I didn't have to think long. "I believe you make your own destiny. But every once in a while, fate gives you a little nudge."
Our eyes locked, and for a moment, the noise around us seemed to fade, leaving just the two of us in a suspended moment. There was a current between us, something magnetic, and I had to remind myself to breathe.
"So," he said after a beat, breaking the spell. "What happens next?"
"Next?" I echoed, unsure if he was referring to the conversation, the evening, or something else entirely. "Well… maybe fate decides that, too."
He chuckled, low and deep. "Or maybe we do."
Before I could respond, Caroline appeared at my side, reminding me of the meeting I was already late for. I gave her a quick nod, then turned back to Alex, feeling a pang of regret.
"It seems business calls for me, too," I said, standing up.
"Duty always does," he replied, his tone knowing. But there was something in his gaze that made me hesitate. Like he was waiting for me to say something more.
"Well," I said, grasping for a semblance of composure. "It was nice meeting you. Again."
"Likewise," he said, holding out his hand.
I took it, and for a moment, his grip lingered, as if he didn't quite want to let go. "Safe travels, Alice."
As I walked away, I could feel his gaze following me, heavy and unspoken. Something told me this wasn't the last time I'd see him. But whether that was fate's doing or my own, I couldn't tell.
Caroline shot me a curious glance as we entered the private dining room. "So… what was that all about?"
I shrugged, forcing a casual smile. "Just a conversation."
"Sure it was," she replied with a smirk. "You practically lit up the room talking to him."
"Let's just say he was… interesting," I murmured, my mind already straying back to Alex, to the intensity in his eyes, to the feeling that there was so much more beneath his calm exterior. And as much as I tried to focus on the business discussion, I couldn't quite shake the lingering spark of anticipation.
The private dining room was all polished mahogany and understated elegance, with an air of exclusivity that matched the caliber of my board members. Caroline was already in her seat, tapping away on her tablet, a model of professionalism. The board was on edge—Nick's scandal had left a ripple of doubt, and this meeting was crucial to restoring their confidence.
As I settled into my seat, they all glanced my way, expectant and watchful.
"Alice," Mr. Thompson, a seasoned board member, began, leaning forward. "I think I speak for everyone when I say we need answers. The damage Nick has done... We can't afford any more surprises."
I met his gaze squarely. "I understand, Mr. Thompson. That's exactly why I'm here—to assure each of you that I have matters under control."
I launched into my plans to stabilize the situation, outlining every detail. But halfway through, my thoughts drifted to Alex. There was something about him—something that felt too significant to brush aside.
The board's questions brought me back, and I continued to speak with confidence, making a mental note to snap out of whatever strange pull this man had on me.
By the end of the meeting, I had regained their trust, at least enough to satisfy their immediate concerns. As we rose to leave, All i needed now was to return home and have a relaxing bath and some sleep...i deserved it after all i went through the past few days...screw nick, he should wait till i get back, i swear was gonna spank him hard
My throat hurt from all the convincing i had to do before the board members finally let me go...as i headed back home, thoughts of him came flooding back, wondering if i should still go on with my plan.