Chapter 5 - Stuck in Traffic

“This is my first time presenting in front of so many people,” Sirena muttered, looking at her reflection.

The woman was all set in her formal attire: dark gray fitted pants, a crisp white shirt, and a matching blazer that made her look incredibly professional. The style was perfect for today’s shareholder presentation, but there was a personal touch that set her apart.

She arranged her long, wavy hair neatly, aiming for an elegant yet natural look, with only light makeup to keep it understated. Surely, everyone who saw her would be captivated, especially considering how beautiful Sirena was, already known as the campus’ darling. Even though she usually kept her look simple, her natural allure still managed to draw attention without the need for heavy makeup. It seemed that her beauty and confidence were inherent, and her every step left an impression, as if she carried stars around wherever she went.

“All right, done,” she murmured, grabbing her sling bag and heading out of her room.

She walked toward the exit and slipped into her black heels with a five-centimeter heel before stepping out of her apartment.

Brrr… brrr…

Sirena reached into her bag to answer her phone as she stood in the elevator. It was a message from Ramon, her cousin.

“Are you seriously going to the company alone, Sirena? Want me to accompany you?” the message read.

“Yes, Ramon. Thanks for worrying about me, but I can handle this myself. Don’t worry; Uncle Luke will be with me.” That was the message Sirena sent back to Ramon.

Luke, her mother’s younger brother, was someone who genuinely cared about their family. Her father’s side of the family felt distant, as if they lived in different worlds, seemingly uninterested in her life. Even Ramon’s parents were more focused on their own matters, and it was clear affection didn’t flow from that side of the family.

In contrast, her mother’s side was much more attentive, especially Luke, the only sibling her mother had. Luke worked as a branch manager at Reverie and was known for his ambitious career drive. But one thing that always made her smile was his dedication to helping Sirena with her love life. Since long ago, Luke had been enthusiastic about introducing her to James, though Sirena often found herself puzzled by his intentions. Was he genuinely convinced James was a suitable match, or was there another reason hidden away in his mind? Either way, Luke’s presence in her life was like a breath of fresh air, always ready to support her, though it occasionally left her feeling confused.

Sirena had to take a taxi since she had sold her beloved car to pay off debts to some thugs who had threatened both her and her mother. She had given up her car for their safety and now had to live more frugally than before.

Sirena looked out the car window, contemplating her drastically changed life. A father who had suddenly passed, a mother diagnosed with cancer, and now, as the only child, she fought alone to resolve all the issues left behind. She wasn’t even sure if she was making the right choices.

“But everything has already happened, right? I’m already stuck with that playboy,” she thought, sighing and wiping her face in frustration.

She glanced around, feeling anxious as the car came to a stop.

“Driver, what’s going on? Why the traffic?” she asked as she realized she was stuck.

“There appears to be an accident, Miss.”

Sirena looked at her watch. “Oh no, I’m almost late. Driver, is there any chance we can move? Or maybe find an alternate route?”

“I’m afraid not, Miss. The car is stuck; moving forward isn’t possible, and turning back would be difficult with the surrounding traffic completely gridlocked,” he replied.

“Oh no.” Sirena grew increasingly anxious. “I’ll just get out here, then.”

“Are you sure? It’s still a few kilometers to Reverie,” the driver asked.

“Yes, I’ll walk. I can’t afford to wait,” she said, paying the fare and stepping out of the taxi.

She walked briskly along the sidewalk, struggling a bit with her heels. She caught sight of the multiple-vehicle pileup causing damage and many victims being evaluated.

“No wonder it’s so congested,” she muttered, walking quickly, determined not to look at the accident scene. Sirena had a phobia of blood and hated the smell of it.

Beep… beep!

The sound of a motorcycle horn prompted Sirena to move further to the side as the bike stopped right next to her. The man riding the sports bike took off his full-face helmet, and Sirena’s eyes widened as she saw who it was.

“James?” she exclaimed in surprise.

“Hey, partner,” James greeted her with that infuriating grin she knew too well.

“You’re headed to Reverie?” James asked.

“Yes,” Sirena replied.

“Hop on. I’ll give you a ride,” he insisted.

“No need, I can walk,” she replied. “Besides, it’s almost close.”

“Close? It’s still two kilometers. Get on. I don’t want your skin getting scratched or bruised. I’m very fond of beauty, so I don’t want your body to be harmed,” James said casually.

“No need to think much about it. I’m doing this to protect the body I’ll touch and caress so gently,” he added with his most infuriating smile.

“Honestly…” Sirena muttered, speechless.

She got on the bike, putting some distance between them.

“Why so distant? You usually stick close,” James teased, grabbing Sirena’s hand so that her body pressed against his broad back. “Now I can feel its softness.”

“Pervert!” Sirena scolded, pinching his side, which made him wince in response.

“Hold on tight, my partner,” James said, shifting gears and releasing the clutch, pulling on the throttle.

Caught off guard, Sirena instinctively hugged James tightly. Behind his helmet, James smiled, satisfied that he’d successfully teased her.

Sirena was tense as James drove fast, overtaking every vehicle in front, and before she knew it, she was holding on to him very tightly.

Screech…

James stopped his motorcycle right in front of Reverie’s lobby.

“Finally made it here. Any longer, and I might have died from lack of air,” James complained as Sirena got off the bike.

“What do you mean?” Sirena asked.

“You were holding on to me like you were afraid I’d leave. Relax, I’ll be here for the next three years,” he teased, winking at her.

“Oh, whatever!” 

Siren complained turning her face away. “Thanks for dropping me off anyway, thanks to you I'm not late.”

“I don't accept thanks just from your lips,” said James.

“Tsk, you sneaky bastard,” Sirena complained as she walked away in annoyance.

“She's still a bitch,” James muttered, watching Siren walk away. “But I like her more and more.” James smiled looking at Sirena.

***