##### Chapter 4 : Weird encounter

Natalie's POV

I hastily got dressed, ignoring the food on the table, and grabbed my purse, my hands shaking slightly. Each step I took down the stairs echoed through the house, the words repeating in my head like a mantra: “The guy who stole my first kiss wants to meet up with me.”

I couldn’t believe it. The jerk, the one who had taken my innocence and broken my heart, wanted to see me again. I felt a mix of emotions: anger, curiosity, and a hint of nervousness.

I burst out of the house, slamming the door behind me, and took a deep breath of fresh air. The sun was shining brightly, but my mind was cloudy with thoughts of the nightclub incident and meeting up with the over-pompous guy who thinks the world revolution is around him.

As I reached the end of my street, I felt a sense of desolation wash over me. The usually bustling sidewalk seemed eerily quiet, as if people were avoiding the area. I muttered to myself, “Where can I find a cab?” and quickened my pace, my footsteps echoing off the pavement.

I considered calling Gabriella for directions or a ride, and I hastily rummaged through my purse, scattering its contents in my urgency. My fingers finally closed around my phone, and I pulled it out, my eyes scanning the screen for Gabriella’s number.

Just then, I spotted a taxi turning the corner, its roof light gleaming in the sunlight. I hailed it with a wave, relief washing over me as it pulled up beside me. I yanked open the door and slid in, my eyes fixed on the driver’s face in the rearview mirror. “Take me to Michigan Avenue, I said, my voice firm and urgent.

The driver nodded and hit the gas, merging into the traffic. I sat back, my mind racing with thoughts of the person I was about to meet.

As we drove, the city streets blurred together. I stared out the window, lost in my thoughts. The taxi finally pulled up in front of a sleek, high-rise building. I paid the driver and stepped out onto the sidewalk.

Just then, a black car pulled up beside me, and I turned to gaze into the tinted glass, my heart racing with a mix of curiosity and caution. I strained to get a glimpse of who was inside, my mind racing with possibilities.

As the window rolled down, my eyes locked onto the driver’s face, and my heart skipped a beat. It was him, his piercing blue eyes fixed intently on mine. A slow smile spread across his face, and I felt my guard rising, my mind warning me to be cautious.

“Get in and stop acting so innocent, low-class bitch.” Jake’s words cut through the air, shattering my composure. The pain I felt earlier was nothing compared to the anger and humiliation I feel now. My gaze dropped, my fingers trembling with rage.

“Hey, I’m talking to you!” His voice was laced with arrogance. “Don’t keep me waiting, dummy.”

My heart raced as adrenaline surged through my veins. I felt a surge of defiance and anger, but also a hint of fear. What is he capable of? And why’s he being so cruel?

I took a deep breath and turned back to face him, my eyes locking onto his. “What do you want, Mr.” I spat out the words, trying to keep my voice steady.

“Listen up, Jerk. You may think you’re entitled to whatever you want, but you’re not. Forcing me into your car? Not happening. And as for that kiss? Completely unacceptable. You disrespected my boundaries and disregarded my consent. Apologize for that, at least.”

I stood my ground, arms crossed and eyes fixed on him. “Your arrogance is staggering. You need to learn to respect people’s boundaries. Start with mine.”

He sneered, his voice dripping with condescension. “You’re just a sensitive soul, getting worked up over nothing. You need to learn to take a joke.”

I felt my anger rise, but I refused to back down. “This isn’t a joke; this is about respect. And you’re clearly lacking in that department. That’s none of your business.

His expression darkened, his eyes narrowing. “You’re still hung up on that kiss, huh? Fine. I apologize. Happy now?”

I raised an eyebrow. “Happy? Do you think a half-hearted apology like that makes up for what you did? You need to do better than that.”

The unnamed guy snorted. “You’re playing hard to get, Nat. I like that. But I don’t think you can dictate the terms here. I’m the one who’s been searching for you, who’s been trying to make things right.”

I shook my head. “You’re not listening, jerk. This isn’t about playing games or manipulating each other. This is about respect and consent. You need to understand that.”

I hesitated for a moment, unsure if I was ready to get into the car with him again. But something in his eyes told me that he was genuinely willing to listen and make amends. So, I slowly opened the door and slid into the passenger seat.

As soon as I was settled, he got in beside me and started the engine. We drove in silence for a few minutes; the tension between us was palpable.

The silence between us grew thicker and more ominous. I clutched the door handle, my knuckles white with tension. The car’s accelerating speed made my heart race, and I felt a surge of panic. “Where are you taking me?” I asked, my voice shaking.

But he remained silent, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. He seemed to be driving on autopilot, his gaze distant and unresponsive. My mind raced with worst-case scenarios. Where was he taking me