Ryan's life was predetermined, raised by influential business magnates who groomed him to lead the family empire.
Ryan's alarm pierced his penthouse apartment's silence. 6:00 AM.
"Good morning, sir," Mark said, entering with a tray.
"Mornin', Mark. Coffee?" Ryan asked, scanning the city skyline.
"Yes, sir. And your schedule." Mark handed Ryan a folder.
Ryan's eyes scanned the itinerary. "Busy day. Anything I should be aware of?"
"Only the Smith meeting, sir. They're eager to finalize the deal."
Ryan nodded. "Any updates on Amelia?"
"Not yet, sir. But I'll have something soon," Mark replied.
Ryan's expression turned thoughtful. "Find out everything you can."
At 7:00 AM, Amelia yawned, rubbing sleep from her eyes.
"Hey, Ames!" Evelyn greeted at the cafe.
"Morning!" Amelia replied, clocking in.
As the morning rush intensified, Amelia's mind wandered to Ryan's text: "Dinner tonight?"
"Earth to Amelia!" Evelyn chuckled.
"Huh?" Amelia laughed.
"You've been spacing out. Everything okay?" Evelyn asked.
Amelia hesitated. "Just got a weird text."
Evelyn curiosity sparked. "From who, wait him, the almighty Ryan guy?"
Amelia smiled. "Just someone."
"Oh come on Ames, tell me already" Evelyn inquired.
Amelia nodded.
Evelyn's voice dropped to a whisper. "What do you think he wants?"
Amelia shrugged. "No idea. But I'm tempted."
"Why?" Evelyn asked.
Amelia's thoughts swirled. "He's intense, but intriguing. And those eyes..."
Evelyn grinned. "You're hooked!"
Amelia laughed. "Shh! Don't tell anyone."
As the cafe slowed, Amelia's phone buzzed.
Ryan's text: "Still considering dinner?"
Amelia's heart skipped a beat.
"Yes," she typed, her fingers trembling.
"Pick you up at 7," Ryan replied.
Amelia's stomach fluttered.
"Evelyn, I need advice," Amelia said.
Evelyn leaned in. "What's your gut telling you?"
Amelia took a deep breath. "To say yes."
"Okay, I said yes," Amelia told Evelyn , her voice barely above a whisper.
Evelyn eyes sparkled. "What time?"
"Seven," Amelia replied.
Evelyn nodded. "You need to get ready. I'll cover your shift."
Amelia smiled gratefully. "Thanks, Evelyn."
As Amelia clocked out and left the cafe, her mind whirled.
At 6:45 PM, Amelia's doorbell rang.
"Wow," Amelia breathed, opening the door to Ryan's chauffeur-driven car.
"Miss Amelia," the chauffeur said, offering his hand.
Amelia slid into the car, where Ryan waited.
Amelia arrived at The Grand Hotel, dressed to impress. Ryan waited outside, dashing in his suit.
"You look stunning," he said, offering his arm.
As they entered the hotel, Amelia's eyes adjusted to the opulence. "Welcome to my world," Ryan whispered.
In the luxurious restaurant, Amelia felt out of her league. Crystal chandeliers and fine china surrounded her.
"Wow," Amelia breathed.
Ryan smiled. "I wanted to impress you."
The waiter presented the menu, and Amelia's eyes widened at the prices.
"Order whatever you like," Ryan said.
As they waited for their food, Ryan asked Amelia about her interests.
"I love reading, hiking, and art," Amelia replied.
Ryan nodded thoughtfully. "I'll take you on a hike soon."
Their conversation flowed effortlessly, but Amelia sensed tension beneath.
When the food arrived, Amelia savored the flavors.
"Good?" Ryan asked.
"Amazing," Amelia replied.
As they finished, Ryan leaned back.
"I'm intrigued by you, Amelia," he said.
Amelia's heart skipped a beat. "Why?"
"You're genuine. Refreshing."
Just then, Ryan's phone buzzed.
"Excuse me," he said, answering the call.
His demeanor shifted; expression hardening, voice growing cold.
"Sorry about this," Ryan said, ending the call. "Business emergency."
As they left the restaurant, Amelia sensed a rift.
"Everything okay?" Amelia asked.
"It's fine," Ryan replied curtly.
Mark approached, his expression serious.
"Sir, the Jasonaldo deal is falling through."
Ryan's jaw clenched.
"Fix it," he growled.
"Sorry about this," Ryan said to Amelia.
"You're busy. I should go," Amelia replied.
Ryan's eyes softened.
"No, stay. Please."
Ryan's eyes pleaded with Amelia to stay. "Please, don't let my business ruin our evening."
Amelia hesitated, sensing the tension easing. "Okay, but just for a little while."
Ryan smiled, his expression softening. "Thank you."
As they walked through the hotel lobby, Mark approached again.
"Sir, the Jasonaldo team is unwilling to negotiate," Mark said.
Ryan's jaw clenched. "I'll handle it. Schedule a conference call for tomorrow."
Amelia watched Ryan's transformation from charming host to ruthless businessman.
"Who's Jasonaldo?" Amelia asked.
Ryan's gaze turned cold. "A business associate."
Amelia sensed a deeper story. "What's going on, Ryan?"
Ryan's mask slipped, revealing a glimmer of frustration. "Just a deal gone sour."
Amelia's curiosity piqued. "You're more than just a businessman, aren't you?"
Ryan's eyes locked onto hers. "What makes you say that?"
Amelia's voice dropped to a whisper. "I see it in your eyes."
Ryan's expression softened, and for a moment, Amelia saw the man behind the facade.