The Unexpected Encounter

Chapter 7

The Unexpected Encounter

As I woke, a rush of excitement mingled with fear coursed through me. Today was the day of revelation, the day I would finally confront my feelings. Downstairs, I noticed Vanessa and Anastasia giving me odd looks, their glares sharp and intrusive. I ignored them. Nothing was going to spoil this day.

After a quick breakfast, I left for school without waiting for Alex. I needed space ,space for him and for me. Whatever feelings Alex had for me, I couldn’t reciprocate. It wasn’t something I could allow, not now.

When I reached school, relief washed over me. Tiffany wasn’t there, for reasons unknown, and I couldn’t help but feel thankful. “No drama today,” I whispered to myself, feeling lighter.

The day dragged on, my mind far from my studies. It was as though time had slowed to a crawl, each second stretching impossibly long. Finally, the bell rang. I packed my things, eager to leave. But before I could escape, Miss Patel’s voice called out to me.

“Rory, can I see you for five minutes?”

I hesitated. “Am I in trouble?”

She chuckled. “No, you're safe. I just wanted to remind you that the San Andreas Art Competition is coming up in three months. I want you to be prepared. Channel your energy, and create something that resonates with you.”

I nodded, trying to muster enthusiasm. “I’ll do my best.”

“You’re free to go,” she said with a smile.

“Goodbye, Miss Patel.”

As I left the classroom, her words lingered in my mind. Create something that resonates with you. Could I really paint him? The hot cutie, whose face had haunted my thoughts. But I shook the idea off. I had more pressing matters. I had a date no, a meeting I corrected myself quickly.

Checking the time, it was 2:15 PM. “Still 45 minutes to go,” I muttered in frustration. With nothing else to do, I wandered to the park. By the time I arrived, it was already 2:30. Even though I was early, I decided to use the extra time to tackle some of my assignments. Yet as the clock inched closer to 3:00, anxiety clawed at me. My heart pounded in my chest, fear threatening to consume me.

*It’s okay,* I told myself. *It’s just a conversation.*

Exactly at 3:00 PM, a black SUV rolled into the park. My heart leapt, but it wasn’t excitement I felt it was dread. *Just act normal,* I coached myself.

The door opened, and out stepped a man in a black suit and dark glasses. Blonde hair, chiseled features he was muscular and undeniably handsome. But my heart sank. This wasn’t the person I was expecting.

He approached with confidence, his voice deep and smooth. “Hello, beautiful.” He removed his glasses, revealing piercing brown eyes.

“You’re not him,” I blurted out, panic seizing me.

His smile didn’t falter. “Who were you expecting if not me?”

“This... this is a mistake,” I stammered. “I can’t do this.”

A thousand questions flooded my mind. *How did he get my number? What does he want with me?*

“Hey, calm down. I just want to be friends,” he said, his tone soothing, but I felt anything but safe.

“Friends? You’ve been sending me creepy messages. That’s not how you make friends,” I retorted, my voice trembling with both fear and frustration.

He chuckled, as though amused by my reaction. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“I don’t see anything positive coming out of this, and I need to go home,” I insisted, turning to leave.

But his hand shot out, grabbing me and pulling me close. His broad shoulder pressed against me, his scent overwhelming. For a brief moment, something in me wanted to believe his charm. He was undeniably attractive blonde hair, sharp jaw, and those intense eyes. But then, reality crashed back in.

“I just want you,” he whispered.

“No,” I replied firmly, pushing away from him. “I can’t accept your proposal.”

His demeanor shifted in an instant. “Is it because of Peter?”

My heart skipped a beat. *How does he know about Peter? Has he been following me?*

“I see you’re surprised I know about him. Yes, I’ve been watching you, Rory. I’ve been stalking you.” His words sent a shiver down my spine. “But I did it because I love you.”

I recoiled in disgust. “That’s not love. You don’t stalk someone you care about. You approach them honestly.”

He didn’t flinch at my words, instead his eyes darkened. “No one says no to me. I always get what I want.”

I turned and walked away, each step quickening with rising panic. But he didn’t follow. Instead, his voice echoed behind me.

“Rory, just know this I will get you, no matter what.”

I broke into a run, desperate to get away from him. But as I neared my house, a new horror awaited me.

Voices drifted from inside, harsh and filled with tension. My father and Victoria were arguing.

“I’m not giving up one of my daughters for that,” Victoria yelled.

“It’s only for two years,” my father pleaded.

“Then send Aurora!” she snapped.

My blood ran cold. What were they talking about? Who were they planning to give me to?

“Give me to who?” I asked, stepping into the room, the weight of their conversation crashing down on me.