1. New York

I slowly opened my eyes and turned to see the time. The digital alarm's brilliant dial read 3:33 a.m. As soon as my senses began to revive, I let out a groan. I don't want to be confronted with reality. It's heinous and perilous. Please, please, please! This is a realm of torment and suffering. I just want to travel to another world of fantasy, which I know I can only do when sleeping.

SMACK!

The sound of a huge crash from downstairs startled me and made me jump. Steps could be heard echoing up the stairs to my chamber. With my heart racing, I searched the area for a safe place to hide. Closet! Even though there wasn't much room in the closet, it was preferable to being out in the open. As I was almost entirely inside the closet, someone pounded up the stairs.

I was yanked out of the closet by a hand wrapped around my ankle. A masked visage confronted me when I was forced to turn around. His cat-green eyes made me shudder despite the fact that I couldn't see his distinct features. I kicked at the man as I struggled to get free from his clutches. I bolted as soon as his grasp relaxed and he began chasing me.

While he was after me, I was able to travel quite far, but then I started to slow down, it's like I'm running on the water until I was barely moving at all. Then he rounded the corner and walked right up to me, holding a knife. He stabbed me in the stomach, drew it out, and then stabbed me in the shoulder, dragging it up from my shoulder and across my throat. The blood oozed out from my eyes, ears, stomach, and throat.

I gasped and jerked my body backward as I opened my eyes. I heard a loud breaking sound, but all I could think of was how I was choking and gagging as I felt my neck and stomach. It was eerily genuine. I felt every bone the knife crossed fracture. My eyes welled up and a sob escaped my lips. Since that incident, I've been plagued by dreams. I hid my head in my hands and attempted to keep my trembling body under control. These nightmares can be enjoyable at times, making me want to sleep indefinitely, recreating the same scenarios over and over. However, there are occasions when things are even worse.

 As I took in my surroundings, I gradually felt myself relaxing. I'm ok. No one knows where I am. Not when I'm not in Worcester. I was in New York's Petit Monde, a little café. In contrast to the bustling city outside with skyscrapers and never-ending traffic, the interior of this place is pleasant and cheerful.

When I looked around the café, I noticed that every pair of eyes was fixed on me, which perplexed me. But it hit me when I noticed a shattered glass near my feet. When I awoke from my siesta, I must have pushed it off. My cheeks flushed with humiliation, and I timidly apologized.

I looked up when I felt a tap on my shoulder and saw a woman in her early 40s. She is stunning, with blonde hair pulled back into a tight bun, exquisite skin, and the most stunning pale blue eyes that remind me of the sea.

"Honey, are you okay?" quietly, she inquired. Her words made me flinch slightly. It’s been months since someone has called me like that, with such tenderness and affection.

"Y-Yes, I’m al-alright" I answered stuttering at my words. The lady took a seat next to mine.

“Bad dream huh?” she asked.

“Yeah,” I said shyly, tucking my loose brown hair behind my ear. 

“Grecia Watson” she introduced.

“Karolia Kingston," I said, shaking my hand with her. A lump formed in my throat at the mention of my last name but I swallowed it down.

“Beautiful name. Your face doesn’t look familiar. Are you new to this café?” she asked curiously.

 “Yes. In fact, I’m new to New York” I debated whether I should say the name of my hometown, but decided against it. I quickly changed the subject to evade her questions about my location.

“Are you a regular customer here?” 

“Oh yes. This place is my favorite” she said. “They make the best pancake in this town. You should try it" she smiled sweetly.

“Oh, I will one day" I smile back at her. "I’m trying for a job here. I was asked to wait since the manager is busy” I told her the reason I came to this café  “And...I dozed off,” I said embarrassed. Grecia chuckled.

An employee came up to us and greeted Grecia first before turning to me.

“Miss Kingston, the manager is ready to see you now,” she said and left politely. I took my file and bag and stood up from my place. “It was nice meeting you, Mrs. Watson. I hope to see you soon if I get this job” I chuckled.  

“I like you already. Maybe I’ll recommend you to Sam. We’re good friends” I guess Sam is the Manager. 

“Thank you” I smiled in gratitude and bid her goodbye.

***

Later that day, I received a call from the café informing me that I had been employed. Although I was told to be careful with the cafe's properties, the interview went well. Despite the fact that I had to pay for the broken glass, I couldn't be happier.

Coming to New York was the start of a new adventure for me. A trip to get away from my past. I'm on my own, with no one to rely on. A voyage that will lead to the opening of a new door in my life.

However, after everything that has transpired in the past, it appears that I will never be able to go on. Six months ago, my parents were brutally murdered right in front of my eyes. I fled before those folks could kill me as well. I fled without knowing why, without understanding why my life had taken such a turn.

I moved to New York four months ago and for the first four months, I didn't leave my room, crying the entire day about my parents. Scarlet, my childhood best friend, and roommate did everything she could to cheer me up. Finally, I decided that enough was enough and that I needed to move on with my life. Mom and Dad would not want me wasting my time thinking about them.

This is my life now, and I must accept it, even if it is excruciatingly painful.

******

Logan's POV:

"Fight!" "Fight!" "Fight!"

I could hear everyone cheering for me. Here in this world, a world of illegal fighting, I’m just Logan, a man who is a champion. If anyone challenges me for a fight, he will either be dead or in the hospital bed. I’m a merciless fighter and I make sure my opponent is well aware of that. I learned in a hard way that in this world sympathy and empathy will not get you anywhere.

But to the outside world, the business world, I'm Logan Watson, CEO of the powerful and influential Watson Enterprise.

"Let's restart the game. John, the Giant Lion has arrived "The host spoke into the microphone. I smirked quietly to myself. He's going to beg me for mercy. "And our fearless man, Logan," the crowd roared and cheered when my name was called.

"Let the game begin," the host said. I was able to detect a glimmer of fear in my opponent's eyes, and I smirked evilly at him. Underneath those muscles, I'm guessing he's a soft teddy bear. He dashed towards me, ready to tackle me. I snatched his leg and threw him over. His head collided with the ground before his body, causing him to clutch his head and groan in agony.

The first rule is to never show your vulnerability to others. And his flaw was fear.

"Come on, let's go! You're fighting like a child!" As he stared at me, I smirked. He tried to approach me, but I punched him in the jaw. He was knocked out cold after flying to the ground. That was quick, to say the least. The crowd erupted, and I looked at Patrick, my best friend, who nodded appreciatively.

"The King of Evil has triumphed, Logan, The Fearless Man, is the CHAMPION!!!" I smirked triumphantly as the host announced. After ten minutes I left, feeling accomplished and victorious.

***

(30 minutes later)

"Why are you awake, Mom? It's well past your bedtime "As I tossed the car keys into the bowl, I inquired. She sat on the couch, a blanket wrapped around her body, watching television.

“Why are you late, Logan?” she asked instead, her eyebrows raised. I let out a sigh.

I lied and said, "Work." She isn't exactly enthusiastic about my fight. As a result, I keep this from her. For her sake, as well as mine. God only knows what she'll do to me if she finds out. I may appear fearless and powerful to others, but to her, I'm a teddy bear, and she knows it. She is the only woman in the world who can order me around, and I would do so without hesitation.

“You left the office at eight. Yes, I contacted your assistant. She's a chatty one,” she rolled her eyes.

“I need to let her go. Her big mouth could endanger this company,” I said, shaking my head.

“What were you doing?” Mom asked, giving me that look that said, 'Don't change the subject.'

“With Patrick Ma. We went out to have some drinks” I rolled my eyes. 

“I don't see you any longer. You leave early in the morning and now you arrive home after midnight, leaving me alone in this house with boring Charles,” she exclaimed dramatically. I chuckled and approached her, kissing her on the cheek. Charles is our butler, and I've known him since I was a child. He was like a father to me after my father died in an accident when I was ten years old.

“I promise I'll try to get home early.”

“I'm hoping to find a girl who can keep you on track. This is something I'm sick of repeating myself. It's time for you to find yourself someone, boy."

Again!

“Right now, I don't require the services of anyone. I have you in my life, and that is more than enough for me,” I explained.

The second rule is that falling in love is a bad distraction.

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N & S  (Middlebencherzz)