I woke up with the events of last night replaying in my head. I didn't know who that man was… honestly, I couldn't care less. No one talks to a woman that way.
I shifted the bedcovers and climbed down. It was 6:50 a.m. on a Saturday, no work today. Shit… the documents from yesterday. I still hadn't delivered them. Big trouble.
I sat on my small apartment bed with my laptop, trying to send a quick email to the company explaining the incident. Opening my inbox, my Termination. My only source of income is gone.
I blinked back tears and looked around my tiny apartment. The walls were peeling, the ceiling fan barely spun, and the curtains were torn. I had barely been surviving while supporting my baby sister and mom… now I had no idea how I would pay next month's rent.
My phone buzzed. A message from Celeste, my supervisor:
Frost Holdings? My stomach dropped. Could it be… that lunatic at the restaurant? Liam Frost?
Rage boiled through me.
"You ruined my life over something I didn't even do," I whispered, forcing myself not to cry, my flatmate couldn't see me like this.
Maya poked her head in.
"Ari, I made breakfast. You hungry?"
"No, but I'll be there shortly," I lied, my voice betraying me.
She stepped into my room, concern softening her expression.
"Hey, Teddy, are you alright?"
She always called me Teddy. Since we were kids.
"I'm fine, really," I said, wiping my cheeks.
"No, you're not. But if you don't want to talk, it's fine. I'm here for you," she said gently.
I forced a small smile. "I'll be fine. I promise." I didn't even believe it.
....
Monday came fast. I had to collect my termination letter and clear my desk another humiliation ritual. And all because of some rich guy whose daddy probably funded his whole life.
The stares from my coworkers were worse than the task itself.
I walked into HR, collected my termination letter, and headed back to my office to pack my things.
"This is unfortunate," Jade, a coworker and friend, said kindly.
"Take care of yourself, Ariana. You're a good person."
"Thanks," I said, smiling weakly.
I turned to leave. The glass doors slid open, and my heart stopped.
A man stepped inside, flanked by two guards. Dark hair, piercing blue eyes… and his presence? Hot, sharp, impossible to ignore.
Liam Frost.
Of all days, of all places, he had to be here.
Our eyes locked. Cold. Calculating. Sharp. He walked closer, stopping just inches away.
"Next time you decide to slap someone in public," his voice low and smooth, "make sure you know who they are before making such an irresponsible decision."
I glared, unfazed.
"You already destroyed me. What more do you want?"
His lips curved into a smirk sinister, dangerous.
"Nothing. I just want you to understand that crossing me was the biggest mistake of your life."
I balled my hands into fists.
"No, Mr. Frost. One day, you'll regret what you've done."
For the first time, something flickered in his eyes surprise? Amusement? Curiosity? I couldn't tell.
He stepped back, turning away.
"We will meet again. This city is small."
And just like that, he left.
I watched him go, hatred twisting inside me
Oh, this city is small alright. And when we meet again, I will make him pay.