Chapter 2: A Glance in the Crowd
The elevator doors slid open with a quiet chime, revealing Elena's poised figure. Dressed in an elegant cream suit that complemented her sharp cheekbones and confident gait, she stepped into the lobby of Leighton Tower—the crown jewel of her family's empire. By her side walked Qis, her childhood friend turned personal assistant, juggling a tablet and phone as they exchanged hushed updates.
In the lobby, a line of hopeful men stood nervously, each holding folders and glancing around with quiet anticipation. They were here for one purpose: to become her new driver and personal aide.
Elena barely spared them a glance. Her heels clicked sharply against the marble floor as she passed, her chin slightly raised, her stride unapologetically regal. She was used to being observed, to being admired or feared—but never approached without cause.
Outside, sunlight spilled across the gleaming city streets. But something caught her attention almost immediately—the flashing red and blue lights of several police cars parked in front of the jewellery store next door.
"What happened here?" she asked, frowning.
Qis, equally surprised, responded, "Looks like some kind of robbery... just now?"
Drawn by curiosity, they walked closer. A small crowd had formed behind the police tape. Among the murmurs and flashing camera phones, Elena's eyes instinctively scanned the scene—and froze.
There, standing at the edge of the commotion, was a man.
His shirt was torn slightly at the shoulder, exposing the lines of a lean, powerful frame. His long hair was tied back messily, his face glistening with a hint of sweat. Not from fear, but from movement. From action. There was something almost wild about him—untamed and raw—but at the same time, composed.
Their eyes met.
For a moment, the world hushed. Sirens became a distant hum. Conversations faded into silence. The city itself seemed to hold its breath.
Zain.
Elena didn't know his name—yet her chest tightened with a strange ache. His eyes were deep, like quiet waters that held secrets no one had ever dared to uncover. They weren't the eyes of a man seeking recognition or praise. They were the eyes of someone... passing through. Someone who had seen too much and said too little.
Zain blinked once. Just once.
Then, with a quiet bow of his head, he looked away and began walking. No words. No hesitation. Just a man, returning to his world, away from hers.
Elena stood frozen, her lips slightly parted.
Qis turned to her. "Elena? Are you okay?"
But Elena didn't answer. Not immediately.
Because something in her had shifted.
And it all started with a glance.