CHAPTER 02_The spark remains

BRYAN’S POV

I checked my watch for what felt like the hundredth time. The meetings dragged on, my schedule was usually chaotic, but somehow she still managed to occupy my mind.

I leaned back sipping the scotch, letting my fingers rest on the armrest, lost.

I had been watching her eagerly since I moved back to the country. Her vulnerability and strength intrigued me.

Her refusal to give up, even when things seemed impossible, inspired me. Her innocence, too, was very captivating.

She’s even prettier now than I remember. Time has transformed her into a stunning young lady. Her beauty wasn’t just skin-deep, it radiated from within.

Our childhood memories flooded back into my head – the laughter, the backyard barbecues. Our families' close ties made us inseparable. I recalled the countless times we explored the neighborhood, sharing secrets and dreams. A small smile formed on my lips.

She is breathtakingly beautiful, with a slender yet athletic build. Her long silky hair framed her oval face, showcasing her striking features, high cheekbones, full lips and expressive brown eyes that shone like dark gemstones when she laughed. Her skin is smooth, flawless and luminous.

I was swiftly snapped back to reality when one of my partners called.

“Mr Braxton, we’ve covered the key points, is there anything else you’d like to add” he added, all eyes focused on me.

I blinked, trying to refocus. “Excellent!” I remarked. “I think we’ve made great progress today, we’ve got a solid plan in place too”, my voice steady despite my mental absence.

I was relieved the meeting was wrapping up. With a few swift motions, I concluded the meeting, gathered my papers and stood up. My anticipation got the best of me.

I exited the conference room. As I entered my office, Quinn stood up from the couch. Her simplicity is out of this world.

Considering a man of my caliber, one would think I’d prefer these elegant, sophisticated women, but somehow Quinn manages to captivate me with her beauty.  She wore minimal makeup with her hair tied down, her effortless charm had me bound.

“Shall we…?” I asked, offering my arm.

She took it, as I walked her out of my office, strolling through the building. I could not help but feel excited. I opened the door for her, gesturing for her to go ahead. She smiled and thanked me, her eyes sparkling.

I had a special surprise for her, but I wouldn’t reveal it yet. It’s her birthday today, and I wanted to make it memorable.

Patience was indeed a virtue I’ve mastered.

I have waited for years to re-enter her life.

Right now, I would savor every moment.

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QUINN’S POV

I gazed outside the car window, lost in thought, as the cityscape blurred into a vibrant tapestry of colors. 

Bryan's luxurious vehicle glided smoothly along the road; a testament to his impeccable taste. My attention drifted from the view to the man sitting beside me.

He was engrossed in work affairs as he dictated instructions to his secretary: “Remember to send a reminder to all staff about the meeting tomorrow morning… I want to know the estimate as soon as…”

His voice faded into the background as I became lost in thought.

The man who was once my childhood friend, Braxton Bryan, was now a renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist, leading the most successful business empires globally.

It’s hard to reconcile this polished-powerful figure with the carefree boy I’d known in pre-school. We had big dreams together except that life had taken its toll. I had wanted to be an artist, because of my undying love for the Arts and he, a pilot.

Right now, Bryan had become too handsome for my piece of mind, his face was finely chiseled. His eyes, that truly captivated me-Prussian blue, dark yet so bright. I have always been fascinated by the color blue, ever since I was a child. My parents used to tell me it was a color of tranquility and calmness.

My mind began to wander back to that fateful night two weeks ago, where I served as a waitress at Eclipse, the city's most exclusive nightclub. I was assigned to deliver drinks to the VIP room, where the city's elites gathered.

The most familiar faces on the glossy pages of magazines were where billionaires, celebrities and influencers mingled with ease.

So far, I had learned to navigate this treacherous landscape, but nothing could have prepared me for what I saw that night.

FLASHBACK_

I froze in horror when Ava, my colleague and best friend, lay bleeding on the ground, a bodyguard looming over her. I stepped forward without hesitation, positioning myself protectively in front of her.

The bodyguard's gaze shifted, he was seeking approval from his boss for further actions. His massive figure obstructed my view.

Mr Jenkins, my boss, walked to the scene standing beside the guard’s boss. The unseen man was ranting.

“How dare your waiters! One splashed wine on my guests, and the other clearly didn’t know the rules.

With a sharp glance at the bodyguard, he signaled for action, and the bodyguard's hands swiftly landed on my cheek. 

I winced, pain shooting through my face.

As the bodyguard raised his hand to strike me again, Eva sprang up, blood oozing from the side of her mouth.

"Get out of here!" She shouted, her voice laced with despair, "What are you doing?" Leave now!

But I couldn't leave. Not when she was hurt.

“It’s chaotic enough, Quinn” Eva screamed, as she pushed me away towards the door for me to escape.

I stumbled backwards. The bodyguard's slap still stung my cheek. I was struggling to regain balance when I felt a grip on my arm, spinning me back to the room, his eyes locking onto mine.

I gasped. I recognized him. 

The famous billionaire, Jasper Brown.