Two Years Earlier
Bianca
A small smile tugged at my lips as I breathed in the fresh scent of nature and sea life. It had been a long time since I last visited this place, one of my favorite spots to think and breathe freely.
Here, I felt far from the heavy burdens I carried. The burdens that hung around my neck, making it hard to breathe every single day.
I sighed, closing my eyes as the chill ran down my spine. For a moment, I felt calm again.
But peace like this never lasted. In just a few hours, I'd be back in the place that trapped me. I pushed the thought aside and focused on the present, just me, in my simple crop top and knee-length skirt that made me feel free, far from the world of luxury and pressure.
No doubt I loved my life as the daughter and heiress of the Smiths, the wealthiest in the city, but all those were never enough without peace, without being free to make choices of my own as an adult.
My parents always made the decisions, not considering my feelings nor my reactions. All they wanted and were concerned about was the family's reputation.
Dad's last words before I sneaked out of the house came playing afresh in my head, "You will marry Alex Smith and that's final."
I exhaled deeply, the air around me growing increasingly suffocating. My moment ruined despite all attempts to put myself together.
The attack started, I reached into my purse, took out one pill and let it down my throat. In seconds it subsided.
I walked slowly out of the beach, my legs dragging over the sands on the seashore, reflecting the depth of my heart.
They never knew I was slowly dying by the day through their actions, all they cared about was their selfish interests.
I sighed, totally engrossed in my own world of mystery when suddenly I heard a sharp sound from my back.
I jumped to my feet, startled, only to turn and catch sight of a black tinted Range Rover car stopped close to me, almost hitting me.
I blinked and stepped aside, my body still shaking from the shock. My eyes stayed on the car, stunned. Whoever was inside had nearly run me over. I stood frozen, unsure of what to do, until the window slowly rolled down.
A man in black sunglasses stared at me. He wore a gray suit that fit his broad frame perfectly, clearly expensive designer wear.
He frowned. Even behind his shades, I could feel his cold stare.
"Are you stupid or just careless?" he snapped. "You must be silly and out of your mind to walk without watching where you're going."
I took in a deep breath, allowing my heart to stay calm.
"I'm sorry sir, but you never blared your car horn. I would have gone off the road," I replied, my voice calm and polite.
He hissed. "Typical lowlifes, always looking for someone to hit them and then pay their bills," he muttered.
His words stung. I bit my lower lip.
"I said I'm sorry. But it seems like you just enjoy insulting people and starting fights," I said firmly and turned to walk away.
But he wasn't done. He told his driver to pull the car in front of me again.
"You're really bold to talk back to me. Do you know I could have you locked up and no one would find you again?" he shouted angrily.
I chose to ignore him and kept walking. I had enough on my mind already.
"Low-life bitches everywhere," he muttered. I noticed from my peripheral view the glass sliding up, but his eyes never stopped glaring at me behind those dark shades.
Just then, his car sped off, casting the cold sea sands over my face.
I stopped, my anger boiling, my eyes glued to the back of his car as it disappeared into the distance.
I inhaled deeply, allowing the air into my lungs. I won't blame him. Just because he saw me walking in simple casual clothes with a simple set of slippers gave him the guts to speak to me in such a disheartening tone.
I stood frozen, my thoughts spinning. My parents' plan still weighed heavy on my chest.
Alex Wood was the heir to the second-richest family, from what I'd heard. But I'd never met him. For all I knew, he could be just as arrogant and rude as the man who just insulted me.
'I hate all these rich guys, and would never have anything to do with people as arrogant as this silly fellow,' I thought. my hands slowly reaching to my face to wipe away the sand off it.
But then, a hand stopped mine halfway to my face and I turned, to meet a handsome guy standing tall beside me.
He looked just calm and neatly dressed, not much sophistication, but just the perfect normal everyday wear of an average adult.
"I'm really sorry about what just happened," he said gently. "I saw everything, and I didn't like how he treated you. I'm sorry on his behalf." He pulled out a handkerchief and wiped my face softly.
I stood still, numb. His words soothed my anger like magic.
Just a moment ago, I'd been fuming. Now, standing here with him, I felt calm.
"Would you like to walk with me to the other side of the beach?" he asked, clasping his hands politely.
"I already have somewhere to go," I said, trying to ignore the strange feelings forming in my heart.
"Please, just a few minutes," he insisted.
I looked into his eyes. I saw warmth and kindness there, something I really needed. Maybe a simple conversation would help me forget all my worries, even if just for a while.
I couldn't resist. He seemed sincere.
"Alright. But don't take too long," I said, glancing away.
"I won't," he replied with a smile.
We walked together to the other side of the beach. The sunset view from that angle was breathtaking. I had no idea such a beautiful scene existed after all my visits here.
"Aww!" I muttered in awe.
"I told you you would love it," he said, smiling all through.
"I love it, thank you," I replied, allowing my heart to flow with the beautiful sight before me, that soothed my soul.
By the way, what's your name? I saw you earlier, and you looked really lost in thought," he asked.
I turned to him. "Bianca Anthony," I said quietly. I didn't want him
to know my full identity.
"And you, what's your name?" I asked.
"Mine is Enzo Hooks," he replied…