I leaned back in my seat, closing my eyes, hoping to drown out the world for a few hours. But as luck would have it, peace wasn't something life liked giving me.
A soft voice floated from the aisle, one I immediately recognized. My eyes snapped open, and there she was the same woman from earlier, nervously adjusting her bag as she searched for her seat.
Unbelievable.
"What are you doing here?" I barked, loud enough for the entire cabin to hear.
The woman froze, her face pale. "I... I'm just finding my seat."
I stood up, my voice dripping with disdain. "Finding your seat? Or are you stalking me? Do you think I wouldn't notice you following me onto this plane?"
Her eyes widened in shock. "What? No, I swear..."
"I don't care for your excuses," I cut her off sharply, waving a hand to call the flight attendant.
The attendant hurried over, her face full of polite concern. "Is there a problem, ma'am?"
"Yes, there's a problem," I said, pointing at the woman. "I don't feel safe with her here. She's been following me since the airport, and I want her off this plane. Now."
The attendant looked startled, glancing between me and the woman. "Ma'am, I assure you, we can handle this discreetly..."
I reached into my bag, pulled out a thick stack of cash, and thrust it into the attendant's hand. "I don't want discreet. I want her gone."
The woman's voice cracked as she pleaded, "Please, I'm not stalking you. I'm just trying to get to my destination. Please, don't do this!"
Her desperation did nothing to move me. If anything, it irritated me more. I stepped closer, my voice low and cold. "You should've thought of that before deciding to ruin my day. You're leaving this plane, and that's final."
The attendant hesitated for only a moment before nodding. Money always spoke louder than words. She gestured for security, and within minutes, the woman was being escorted off the plane.
"Please, don't do this!" the woman begged, tears streaming down her face. "I'll do anything, just let me stay!"
I didn't even flinch. As far as I was concerned, she was just another obstacle in my path. And obstacles were meant to be removed.
When she was finally gone, I sat back down, smoothing my dress as if nothing had happened. The cabin was silent, the other passengers too scared to meet my gaze.
Good. That's how it should be.
The flight attendant returned, her voice trembling as she thanked me for my understanding. I didn't bother responding, simply waving her off.
As the plane finally took off, I stared out the window, my reflection glaring back at me. I wasn't sorry for what I did.
BACK TO KIARA'S POV
I stepped out of the plane in shame, my vision blurred by the tears that wouldn't stop falling. My cheeks were burning, and my eyes were already swollen from crying. I had never been humiliated like this in my entire life.
The airport staff looked at me with pity as I clutched my bag tightly, trying to hold on to the little dignity I had left. But I could feel their stares, their whispers, as if they were branding me with my shame.
How could someone be so heartless?
I wiped my face with the back of my hand, but the tears kept coming. The image of that woman her cold glare, the way she dismissed me like I was nothing kept replaying in my head. I had apologized, I had begged, but she didn't even care.
What did I do to deserve this?
I found a corner in the waiting area and sat down, burying my face in my hands. I tried to calm myself, but the lump in my throat wouldn't go away.
The trip was supposed to be a fresh start for me and Dave. He had been so excited about his plans, so full of hope. I was supposed to be happy, too. But now, I felt like a failure, like I'd let him down.
I pulled out my phone, staring at his name in my messages. Should I tell him? No, I couldn't. He'd be so disappointed, and I didn't want to ruin his mood.
Instead, I texted him:
"Landed safely. I'll call you soon."
I sat there for what felt like hours, trying to gather the courage to move. I needed to find another flight, but the thought of going back into the crowd, of facing more judgmental stares, made me feel sick.
Why did she do that to me?
I was lost in my thoughts, replaying everything that had happened.
I didn't even notice someone standing in front of me until a deep voice broke through my haze.
"Excuse me, miss?"
I blinked and looked up, startled. A towering figure stood before me, his broad shoulders and dark sunglasses making him look like a bouncer straight out of a movie.
"Yes?" I asked cautiously, my voice barely above a whisper.
"I couldn't help but notice what happened earlier," he said, his tone calm but firm. "That wasn't right, the way they treated you."
I didn't know how to respond, so I just nodded, avoiding his gaze.
"Where are you headed?" he asked, his voice softening slightly.
I hesitated, unsure if I should answer. But something about him seemed genuine, and I was too drained to overthink it. "To Lakewood," I finally said.
He nodded thoughtfully. "My boss is also heading that way. He's traveling in a private jet. If you're okay with it, we can drop you off."
My eyes widened. "A private jet?"
"Yes," he said, his tone matter-of-fact. "It's safer and more comfortable than waiting for another flight."
I hesitated, the words catching in my throat. Was this a good idea? Could I really trust a stranger offering me a ride? But then again, I was already stranded, and the thought of waiting hours or even days for another flight made my stomach churn.
"Who... who is your boss?" I asked cautiously.
"He's a businessman," the man replied, his expression unreadable behind his sunglasses. "A good man. You'll be safe with us."
I bit my lip, weighing my options. Every instinct told me to say no, but a part of me maybe the desperate part wanted to believe him.
"Okay," I said finally, my voice shaky. "But just to Lakewood."
The man nodded, his expression softening slightly. "Of course. Follow me."
I trailed behind him as he led me through the airport, my heart pounding with every step. A private jet? It felt surreal, like something out of a dream or a movie.
When we reached the tarmac, I froze. The sleek jet in front of me was unlike anything I'd ever seen. Its glossy exterior and sharp design screamed luxury.
The man gestured for me to follow him up the steps. "This way."