Chapter 01

Willowville, a small town, America,

Surrounded by hills and bathed in the golden hues of spring, Willowville was bidding goodbye to the sun for the day.  

A girl sitting at her desk was trying to focus on the textbook spread open before her. The dim light of a fading afternoon filtered through the cracks in the curtains, casting a soft glow on her face as she attempted to immerse herself in her studies.

But just as she began to concentrate, her mother's voice resonated loudly from downstairs, shattering the fragile tranquility of the room and interrupting her focus.

"Jane! Come quickly, look who's here!" her mother's voice echoed through the house.

"Coming Mom!" She shouted at the top of her voice.

Heaving a deep sigh, Jane closed her book and rose from the chair, reluctantly making her way down the wooden stairs to greet the guest.

As she descended, her eyes fell upon her mother engaged in conversation with their neighbor, easily recognizable by her slightly hunched posture. The visitor's presence felt like an unwelcome gust of wind, about to hit her serenity.

"Oh, Aunt Elizabeth! Come, come! Please have a seat. It has been such a long time since we last saw you,"

 Jane exclaimed, her voice carrying a hint of forced enthusiasm that masked her true emotions.

'Still not as fake as the smile on my mother's face,'

her subconscious mind whispered. She had grown accustomed to this facade with time.

"Oh, my dear child! Yes, it's been ages. I went to visit my daughter. You know, her husband works for a prestigious company, Not to show off, but his earning is quite envious ..." 

The aunt continued to chatter away, her words flowing continuously as always, their significance fading into the background as Jane's attention drifted away.

Jane's gaze wandered towards the window. She saw with curious eyes observing the twigs that danced upon the wind.  For a brief moment, peace and serenity washed over her, providing a temporary escape.

"...And that reminds me of Jane. Such an unlucky girl.  Mrs. White, why don't you marry her off to a religious young man? She is already of age. Why spend more on her education? A mere waste of time and money..." 

The aunt's words pierced through Jane's thoughts, snapping her back to the present, like an icy blade cutting through the warmth of a summer day.

She smiled meekly, her eyes betraying a hint of vulnerability hidden beneath the facade. The weight of societal expectations, judgment, and doubts engulfed her at every moment, yet she refused to let them control her anymore.

"Would you like to have some coffee? I've prepared some snacks as well. Jane, could you please make coffee for us?"

 her mother interjected, attempting to change the subject. Jane nodded silently, accepting the mom's order. After almost two more hours she found her way back upstairs.

Returning to her seat near the desk, Jane found it difficult to regain her earlier focus. The aunt's parting words lingered in her mind, intertwining with her own insecurities, a relentless loop of self-doubt and bitter past playing on repeat. 

" Why don't you marry her off to a religious young man?"

" Waste of time and money."

The weight of her dreams felt heavier, as always threatening to crush her spirit, but deep within her newly found resilience burned.

"No, I am strong,"

Jane whispered, her voice barely audible, as if confiding in the shadows.

 "I won't let my past define me. I will rise above them. I'll leave this town behind within two months, and go to the city. I have to fight for my dreams."

The determination in her eyes grew, casting aside the shadows of doubt that had plagued her for the whole evening.

"Hopefully, by this time next year, I'll be in a better place." 

She vowed, making a silent promise to herself and the stars that peeked through her window, offering a glimmer of hope in the night sky.

In a bustling nightclub, New York,

 A man in his late 20s stood tall and resolute, commanding the attention of all who laid eyes upon him. With chiseled features and a strong jawline, he possessed the kind of striking handsomeness that could captivate hearts with a single glance. His jet black locks, cascading in sleek waves, framed a face that exuded an air of strength and magnetism.

Dressed in a white shirt that complimented his impressive physique, Adrian Alan Johnson had an air of self-assurance and authority. His broad shoulders and commanding presence drew attention from all across the room.  While his dark intense eyes held a depth that left others intrigued. 

"Hey, bro! Look at that stunning blonde! She's got some curves, man! Have a look,"  Samuel exclaimed, his voice filled with enthusiasm.

 "Why are you talking like this? Have you had too many drinks?"  Adrian raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised.

 "I'm not drunk, bro! You're clueless! Just look at her!" Samuel insisted, urging Adrian to turn his gaze.

Adrian shifted his attention to the dance floor and caught sight of a gorgeous blonde swaying her hips gracefully to the rhythm of the music. Her body-hugging black dress hugged her curves, accentuating her beauty, while her vibrant red lipstick added a touch of boldness to her alluring complexion.

"Told ya? But she won't give in to your advances. Stop gawking," Samuel snorted.

 "Really, Sam? Are you challenging me? You should have known better. No one says no to Adrian." Adrian let out a chuckle, his eyes glimmering with self pride. 

Samuel pondered for a moment,

"Alright. But you have only tonight to get her into your bed. Agreed?" He asked, hesitatingly.

A confident smirk formed on Adrian's lips,

 "Challenge accepted. But if you lose, which I'm certain you will, you have to go on a date with Lisa."  His voice mischievous.

"What? No way! Why her? She's too clingy!"  Samuel whined.

" Are you so certain of your defeat that you're already complaining ?" Adrian laughed heartily, a sense of triumph in his voice. 

An exasperated sigh escaped Samuel's lips.

"Alright, alright. It's a deal. But if you fail, I get to drive your new Lamborghini for an entire week. Samuel tried to negotiate.

"Deal," Adrian replied, downing the remainder of his beer with confidence.

At 3 AM,

Samuel abruptly woke from his slumber to the jarring sound of his phone ringing. Annoyed, he reluctantly answered the call.

"What the fuck do you want at this hour, Addy? Can't you let me sleep?" Samuel groaned.

Adrian chuckled mischievously on the other end.

 "Prepare yourself mentally for the date tomorrow, Sam. The deal is sealed. Adrian never loses."

He abruptly ended the call, leaving Samuel to contemplate his fate.

Adrian smirked, glancing at the naked blonde beside him, blissfully asleep. 

"I hope she leaves in the morning as I said. Adrian Alan Johnson never does relationships. He's always in control and will always be,"

Adrian thought, slipping back into peaceful slumber.

Unaware that a momentous change was about to take place, that would alter his life, forever.