Destined Twist Of Fate

Destined Twist Of Fate

last updateLast Updated : 2025-03-19
By:  Sapphirian J Ongoing
Language: English
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Harper, an eighteen-year-old orphan fresh out of high school, yearns to claim her independence and make it into the cruel world on her own. Leaving the security of the only genuine family she's ever known, besides her father who passed away four years ago, she says goodbye to her foster parents who have sheltered her since she was fourteen. With her old SUV as her only sanctuary, she embarks on a journey across the United States in search of a college, a job, and a place she can call home. Finding romance was the last thing on Harper's mind, fueled by her father's last words to stay clear of men. But, what is she to do; when one fateful night an act of God thrusts her into the arms of a stranger who would change her life forever.

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Chapter 1

Chapter One

HARPER*

My foster mom, Sarah, shakes her head with a sigh escaping her throat. “I wish you would stay here and let us pay for your tuition fees.” She sighs again as she sits on my bed and continues to rant in displeasure at me going so far away on the road alone. 

There are no funds available for my foster parents to cover my tuition fees. They would go into debt to help me. I could not allow that to happen. I’m an adult now, and need to devise a plan to attend college and cover the cost on my own.

“Explore the option of getting an apartment nearby. That way, if anything happens, we could be there to help you as soon as possible.”

Tears slip from her eyes as she watches me pack up the last of my belongings. Sarah is the only mother-figure I have ever known. My birth mother died during childbirth. Father raised me alone until a fatal hunting accident occurred. He survived the initial attack from being mauled by a bear, but died a few days after. I will always remember the last moments with him before he passed away, as if it were yesterday.

He had urged me to remain resilient and independent. Cautioned me to steer clear of men who would take control of my independence. ‘Take the money I have for you and allocate it carefully,’ he had said. ‘Have a future where you answer to nobody by assailing and attending college. Strive for greatness, Harper. When you feel you are all alone in this life. My spirit will always be with you. You’re like a bird, never wanting to stay in one place. You are perpetually on the move, so choose your profession wisely. Journey and explore the globe.’

I recorded our conversations on my cell phone. Sarah and Juan uploaded each one onto thumb drives. I had taken those and written them verbatim into diaries. Which I reflect on often, and they bring me peace. I was so lucky to have spent only four days in a home for orphaned children before Sarah and Juan rescued me. I hated leaving them now after the four years of love, comfort, and stability they have given me. The time has arrived for me to leave and go out on my own into the world, though. Where was I heading? I have no clue. But I have the entire summer after turning eighteen to figure that out. I received acceptance letters to multiple colleges throughout the United States. I hope to travel this summer and inspect them all before deciding where to set up roots. My foster parents wanted to come with me for the road trip, so we could have one last family trip before I left for college. After multiple debates about the topic. I persuaded them it was something I needed and wanted to do alone.

I couldn’t keep from glancing over at Sarah while packing toiletries into my overnight bag. I’m going to miss her and Juan so much. With effort, I bit back the tears that burned behind my eyes as they forced their way through. I closed my eyes, hoping the tears would disappear. When I opened them, tears streamed down my cheeks to my chin, anyway, despite my efforts.

“Take a seat, dear, and let’s chat for a moment,” Sarah says, shoving the suitcase I was packing aside. She gestures for me to join her and I comply, plopping down next to her with a huff.

“This is your home, sweetheart. It has to be said, we could never have children of our own. You may not be our blood, but you are our daughter. That remains the same now that you are eighteen and going off on your own. I want daily calls from you to confirm you are alright. Some post cards and snapshots of your travels would be nice as well. When you find a place to call home, let us help you get settled,” Sarah says, wiping away my tears.

“Let’s go fix your makeup,” she suggests while standing, and holds her hand out to me.

***

“Please remember to…”

“Carry my pepper spray. Don’t worry, mom, I’ll be alright.”

“What do you do if you are being manhandled?” Juan asked as he opened and inspected the motor of my vehicle.

“If I can’t get to my pepper spray fast enough, I’ll taekwondo their ass,” I reply while making some quick martial arts moves, and we all laugh in unison.

“All right, sweetheart, make sure you always have a full gas tank. You are so bad about running on empty. If you need money or anything else, promise me you will call us right away,” mom explains, embracing me.

“Let her go, dear. I need a hug too before she leaves,” dad says, pulling me from mom and embracing me.

***

It’s been over a month since I started my journey across the United States. Working as a waitress enabled me to buy food at night, and I’ve been living out of my car. It’s not the most comfortable place to rest my head. But I’m determined to do all that’s needed; so I don’t tap into the funds my father set up for me before he died. Every time I have walked into a restaurant, I always asked to talk to a manager to ask for temporary employment so I could eat. Not once has anyone turned me away. If I had any additional funds after I put gas in my car. Then I would indulge in a budget-friendly hotel room so I could clean up before hitting the highway once more.

Upon my arrival at the University of Austin, the staff refused to provide me with a walk-through. In response, I scheduled an appointment for Monday. However, it was only Thursday, so I had to find both work and a place to stay until then. This situation is frustrating because I will have to use my college fund to cover these unexpected expenses. Unfortunately, I cannot afford accommodations in Austin. Given these circumstances, I decided to go back to a town called Georgetown that I had passed on my way to Austin.

It was a thirty-minute drive to arrive back in Georgetown. I’ve been sitting in front of this cafe for a while now, trying to get up the nerve to go in and speak to a manager. The lunch rush had dwindled because it was nearing three in the afternoon. So if they allow me to work, I would have to return around five. If that happened, I would need to find something to do to kill some time. Taking a deep breath, I check myself out in the mirror before exiting my car and walking into the diner.

As I stepped inside the establishment, a beautiful, kind-hearted girl who seemed to be my age caught my eye. Her flowing brunette hair, tied in a ponytail, accentuated her charm. Her captivating green eyes shimmered, instantly captivating me. Taking on the role of a hostess, she greeted me with a dazzling smile, her voice exuding genuine warmth. “Hello there! Will anyone be joining you?” Her friendly inquiry filled the air, creating a comforting and relaxing atmosphere. I couldn’t help but feel fortunate that I didn’t have to search for someone. It was a stroke of luck that seldom came my way.

‘You’ve got this, Harper. Just do what you’ve already done several times before.’

“To be honest, I’m not here to eat. But I need to speak to a manager about temporary employment, please.”

“You are in luck. Tabby will be excited to have you here. One of our waitresses fell ill with a cold or something and will be out for a few days. Wait here and I’ll go see if I can find her.”

I felt a surge of joy as she hurried towards the rear of the building. It seemed like divine intervention was at play today. It felt like God had guided me to this town and this cafe. I explored the whole town, finding many other restaurants and cafes, but this one gave me the most promising vibes. The town itself was beautiful, with lakes and parks scattered around. Yes, I would have to endure a thirty-minute drive to school every day if I stayed here, but if everything fell into place, I would gladly make the sacrifice. The commute would definitely be worth it in the beautiful town of Georgetown.

A moment later, the girl who had welcomed me at the door returned to me with another woman who looked to be in her late twenties. “Hi there. My name is Tabitha. Tenley said you were searching for short-term employment. I need a waitress to work tonight’s shift. If you could work from 4 to 8, that would be wonderful. Uh, Saturday and Sunday as well, would be nice. Goodness! I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s backtrack, shall we? Do you have any experience with waitressing?”

I held in my urge to giggle. This woman before me was so full of spunk, but she seemed scatterbrained.

“Ma’am, my experience is extensive. I worked at a cafe in a small town in New Jersey for three years as a waitress. I have also been working at random restaurants for a month now, while traveling and visiting colleges.”

“Are you considering attending the University of Texas?” Tabitha asked, glancing at Tenley. “Tenley has been attending there for three years now, and she loves it. Inheriting this cafe from my grandmother has kept me from enrolling in college. If given the chance, I will go there. Oh, my goodness. I got off track again. Tenley, tell me to shut up; why don’t ya?”

Despite my best efforts, I couldn’t help but burst out in laughter, and Tabitha and Tenley joined in. I can tell that I am going to have the most amazing time working here.

After we had all calmed down from our laughing fit, I replied, “I’ve only been in Georgetown an hour, but if I enjoy the college, I may stay here, instead of finding somewhere to stay in Austin. Georgetown is so breathtaking. I had originally planned to leave after my walkthrough with the University of Austin on Monday, but this place is way too beautiful to leave.”

“That would be wonderful if you stayed. I am always in need of help around here. We keep busy during the summer with tourists passing through to get to Austin.”

“You said I could return at four, right?”

“Three-thirty would be best, so I can give you a tour before we get swamped again.”

“Thank you so much. You will help me out a great deal. I’ll be back soon.”

***

The number of customers eating inside the cafe is insane. Back when I worked at a small town restaurant in New Jersey, it was never as busy as this. I’ve never been in a place with such a crowd before. Tenley was supposed to leave at six, but she hasn’t left yet. I guess she feels bad for Casey and me. I’m thankful she’s still here, though.

Tenley blows away some stray hairs that had fallen into her face and shakes her head. “Alright guys. I can help you for an hour or until my brother arrives. Which ever one comes first. I have little energy left. But I’m not gonna leave you two stranded, with it being so busy tonight.”

“Your brother is so handsome!” Casey moans, closing her eyes. Then directs her gaze back to Tenley. “It’s almost impossible for me to keep my composure when he strolls in with those fancy suits on.”

Tenley shrinks away in revulsion. “Seriously, Casey! He’s my brother. Don’t go there,” she says, then leaves to take care of a group of guests.

“Girl, you’ll see what I’m talking about. Her brother will make you get all wet in your nether regions,” Casey says, scampering away.

“All right, girls. My brother has arrived, which means I am now a customer,” Tenley says, putting down her order pad and pen. She then takes off her apron and disappears through the door, heading to the break room.

Casey reaches out and clutches my elbow. “Oh geez! He’s seated in your area. Is it alright if I switch with you until they have left?”

“Tenley wouldn’t like that, and I don’t want to upset her. Better luck next time.”

I was busy submitting an order and didn’t notice when Tenley’s brother arrived. I waited for her to come back from the break room. Eventually, I followed her to the booth where her brother was sitting. As soon as I reached the booth, time seemed to stand still. The most enchanting hazel-green eyes I had ever seen captivated me. I realized then why Casey was out of sorts. 

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65 Chapters
Chapter One
HARPER*My foster mom, Sarah, shakes her head with a sigh escaping her throat. “I wish you would stay here and let us pay for your tuition fees.” She sighs again as she sits on my bed and continues to rant in displeasure at me going so far away on the road alone. There are no funds available for my foster parents to cover my tuition fees. They would go into debt to help me. I could not allow that to happen. I’m an adult now, and need to devise a plan to attend college and cover the cost on my own.“Explore the option of getting an apartment nearby. That way, if anything happens, we could be there to help you as soon as possible.”Tears slip from her eyes as she watches me pack up the last of my belongings. Sarah is the only mother-figure I have ever known. My birth mother died during childbirth. Father raised me alone until a fatal hunting accident occurred. He survived the initial attack from being mauled by a bear, but died a few days after. I will always remember the last moments
last updateLast Updated : 2025-01-21
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Chapter Two
LAYKEN If only it were Friday - that way I could take a break. I'm so swamped with work that I would end up working from my home office if I were to leave. There wouldn't be any relaxation going on. I'm glad I don't have to answer to anyone or have anyone breathing down my neck when I get home.Who am I trying to fool? It would bring me immense pleasure to get married and have children of my own someday. But given that I'm the CEO and sole proprietor of a billion-dollar law firm, that will never be an option for me. I had almost no time for sleep, let alone enough energy for a relationship. To experience such a passionate love that it hurts would be incredible, though. Being in love with someone is not something I have had the pleasure of experiencing. I've never felt such a powerful connection with a female. Oh, but I have lusted after women, but everything's going stale. Sex doesn't seem to fulfill my needs anymore. I need something genuine. One woman, to devote myself to and make
last updateLast Updated : 2025-01-21
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Chapter Three
LAYKENA knock sounded on my office door, making me cringe. “What is it, Jillian?”She opened the door and peered inside. “I’m sorry, sir, but your mom just called and wanted me to remind you of the gala tomorrow night. I mentioned it two days ago, but I thought I would bring it up again since you have been so busy this week.”The pounding headache returned with a vengeance. There was no way I could secure such a last-minute date. My parents would chastise me for showing up without a companion. I needed to see a barber stat, and my tuxedo was at the cleaners. I glanced at my Rolex to see I was now due in court in twenty minutes. Fuck me!“My apologies in advance, Jillian. But I need your help. If it’s not too much trouble, would you be able to swing by the cleaners and pick up my tuxedo? There’s no way I’ll have the time to make it by there in time before they close.”I removed my wallet from the desk and displayed the cards I had from the cleaners and barbershop. Then headed towards
last updateLast Updated : 2025-01-21
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Chapter Four
LAYKENIt took all the self control I could muster to leave Harper in that booth alone. More than anything I could ever want, I wished I could to stay with her.During the late hours of the night, I laid in bed tossing and turning last night. No matter what I did, sleep wouldn’t come to me. Her dire situation, along with the profound connection I had, firmly planted itself within my subconscious and I couldn’t shake it.Nothing changed once I got to my office earlier this morning, either. I thought being with Jillian could help, but I feel worse than ever. As if I had been unfaithful to Harper somehow. It’s a ridiculous notion to have since we aren’t involved in a relationship. I’ve only just met her and haven’t known her for over twenty-four hours. Maybe I needed to speak to a psychologist. I’m obviously losing my sanity.I’ve never felt this way for any woman. Not proud of my actions, but I have had my fair share of women through the last twelve years of my life. There’s never been
last updateLast Updated : 2025-01-21
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Chapter Five
LAYKENI drove around the city for over an hour, scouting out various hotels. Hoping that she was in one of them, safe and sound. When I found her in one, I would gladly go home and leave her alone. She would never have to know I was out looking for her. All I wanted was to have the reassurance that she was safe. But we don’t always get what we hope for. Which was what was happening to me right now after going to one of the last hotels I could think of.I pulled into some covered parking to get a rest from the pounding rain. If I was a homeless person living out of my car, where would I be? I thought repeatedly, then prayed to God to help me out, even if it was just a little. Then it came to me. She had to be at the parks. Or near the lake, and if that were the case, she was indeed in serious trouble.I sent out another plea for God to send me to where she was. Because if he didn’t lead me, I could easily drive around for another hour before I found her. Then it could be too late to r
last updateLast Updated : 2025-01-21
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Chapter Six
LAYKENHarper’s eyes pierce into my soul, and I know what is going through her mind. She wants me to kiss her. But if I do, I don’t think I’ll be able to hold myself back from doing more. My whole body aches to hold her, kiss her, taste her, and consume her. I can’t keep myself from picturing her screaming out my name as I bury myself deep inside her. My need for her is comparable to that of needing air to breathe. But dammit, I have got to change my way of doing things. She is an angel. An angel that the likes of me should not corrupt. I’m determined to do what is right by her. Her beauty is beyond anything I had encountered in my life. And I’ve been with countless women. My college days were wild. There’s no doubt in my mind that I have found the love of my life. I always assumed people who talked about love at first sight were full of shit. But Harper has had me reeling from the first moment I saw her. I love her and I hardly know her. She’s a stranger, but it seems as if I’ve kno
last updateLast Updated : 2025-01-21
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Chapter Seven
HARPERLayken quickly approached me in the kitchen doorway, placing his hand on the small of my back. He then guided me towards his massive dining room table, which made me wonder if his family visited often. I gazed up at him in awe as he pulled out a chair for me and offered his hand to assist me in sitting down. With a gentle gesture, he scooted the chair in for me. My heart skipped a beat as I admired his considerate actions. He’s perfect.With a seemingly telepathic ability, he chuckles, as if he could read my mind, before walking away. “I have a large family, and they often come to visit,” he explains. “I suspect they come to take advantage of the luxurious indoor pool and hot tub I have downstairs. Or maybe they just want to ensure that I haven’t disappeared off the face of the earth. Most likely, they want to make sure I’m still alive.” He shakes his head, chuckling once more, and flips the sandwiches to toast the other sides. “My parents, being doctors, have more free time on
last updateLast Updated : 2025-01-21
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Chapter Eight
LAYKEN“Could you please give me a few days to think about it, Layken? If it’s alright with Tenley, I would be grateful to crash on her couch for a little while. Honestly, anything is better than spending another night in my car, which I’ve been doing for the past month. Well, I don't have a car to sleep in now, so…”I am attempting to maintain a neutral expression, but I don't understand why Harper is refusing the help I am offering her. This deepens my feelings for her even more. Most women would take advantage of the situation and demand more than necessary. That’s all they seemed to see in me: money and sex. However, this woman standing before me, despite her youth, possesses wisdom and independence that I adore. Harper recognizes her need for my help, and I believe eventually she will accept what I am offering. Of course, I had to be cautious not to overwhelm her with my generosity and potentially scare her off. Losing her and never seeing her again was not an option. I had to en
last updateLast Updated : 2025-01-21
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Chapter Nine
HARPERAs Layken ran out of the door, an instant feeling of longing washed over me. It’s crazy how I can miss someone I hardly know. It’s as if I’ve known him my entire life, though. Not being able to spend the night with him is something I’m not a fan of. The thought of using his chest as a pillow has even crossed my mind. I entertained the idea of sneaking into his bed after he had fallen asleep. Unfortunately, that plan wouldn’t be happening now. With a deep breath, I packed away my belongings.After a few minutes, Tenley burst into the room, her face streaming with tears. She rushes towards me, embracing me so tightly that it became difficult to breathe. “I’m so relieved you’re alright,” she said. “It’s my fault for not insisting you come to my place, even though you kept objecting, and I feel like such an idiot. I had a feeling the weather would be terrible tonight. I thought you would take my advice and at least stay in a hotel. Harper, I want you to know that I’m not angry at y
last updateLast Updated : 2025-01-21
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Chapter Ten
HARPERUnable to resist, I glance over at Tenley with a massive grin on my face. “I had the most amazing time shopping I’ve ever had in my life. Thank you so much, Tenley.” “Harper, it’s hard to believe you’ve never been shopping for formal wear before? Didn’t you and your foster mom go prom dress shopping at least?”“Hell no. I didn’t go to prom. The guys at my school were flat-out ignorant. As I mentioned before, I had a no friends. I would have gone and stood there by myself. Sarah, my foster mother, insisted I go anyway, but I couldn’t bring myself to spend that kind of money. I have always been conservative with my money. Most girls dream of going to prom. My parents and I used that money to go to the movies instead.”“Goodness, Harper.” Tenley glances at me in pity, then shakes the thoughts from her mind. “Well, we compensated for that. The gala you will attend tonight can make up for you not going to prom.” She glances over at me, smiling, before putting her attention back on
last updateLast Updated : 2025-01-21
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