Maya totally unaware of the speeding car coming right behind her...
"Maya watch out!!!!" Xavier yelled as he saw the car coming towards her, he had managed to push her off the road, both sustaining injuries "are you okay?" he asked as he checked her body for any wound
"I'm fine, thanks" Maya said as she just got out of shock, turning around to the car that had just tried to run her over, she didn't see the car or the driver, she could only sigh, maybe it was an accident, she thought.
"What are you doing at the hospital?" Xavier asked
"Um... I came to see you, and Um know if you are okay" Maya said with a smile, he just smiled back, he had hope that maybe Maya even liked him, making it easy for him to confess his feelings to her.
"I'm okay, Adrian is doing okay, his dad should be here soon, let's go have something to eat" he said, as both trailed alongside.
**************
Adrian had just gotten discharged, he couldn't even believe it, his dad did not show up at the hospital to see him, he only paid the bills and had him discharged, he wasn't surprised by his father's actions but a little part of him wished his dad would show up.
Meanwhile Xavier had offered to drive Maya home, then visit Adrian later. "Why don't you come inside, my mum would love to see the hero who has been saving her daughter's life ever since" Maya said with smile, Xavier couldn't resist, he had to join her in. As both got in, Maya was surprised to see Kelly sitting on her couch waiting for her.
"Hey, um... I've was worried, you didn't show up at school today" Kelly said, she was already feeling uncomfortable seeing both of them together.
"That's great, the three of us could have lunch together" Maya said with a smile as she left to meet her mum.
"Are you okay? You seem off" Xavier asked noticing how Kelly was
"Tell Maya I can't stay for lunch" she said and without any more word, she left.
"Where's Kelly?" Maya asked as she returned
"She left" he said, both just went inside to have lunch, Kate was pleased by Xavier, she already liked him for her daughter.
**********
"What we're you thinking, do you really want to die?" Victor asked his son
"You won't even let me rest, I wish I had died" Adrian groaned
"You are grounded" he said with a hiss, as he just left
***********
Ariana leaned back on the velvet armchair in her father's study, twirling her wine glass though it was filled only with sparkling water. Her father, Mr. Vaughn, was sorting through a stack of documents, his eyes skimming the numbers with mechanical precision. She decided to get Adrian at any cost so now she had to play her card she was done waiting for Adrian to love her back, she was going to get him, even if he doesn't like her.
"Why are you here Ariana?" Mr Lancaster asked, knowing his daughter was here for something
"Okay dad, I'll go straight to the point, mom told me you and the Cole's Dynamics is planning on working together"
"Yes, last time wasn't exactly satisfying and you know why, so this time around I need to make an offer to Mr Cole that would make this partnership stay long" Mr Lancaster said
"Well why don't Adrian and I just get engaged, like before" she said with a smile
"Ariana you were the one who disagreed to it in the first place, it really pissed Victor, bringing up such offer is barbaric, besides I have a meeting with him in few hours" he said
"I don't know dad, there is nothing for you to offer, we really need this partnership in fact it'll be even more better if it was for a lifetime, and dad only families stay for a lifetime, you have no other option" Ariana reasoned, she knew how important this was for her dad, and she will use it to get what she wants.
"And what if he doesn't agree to it, considering what happened before?"
"Dad you have to stop underestimating your self and your company, even Victor Cole needs us in this partnership, just let him know I give my consent" Ariana said
"Hmmm Ariana, fine I'll think about it" Mr Lancaster said, he was already tired of his daughters yapping
"Think about it well dad after all, it's the only thing that will work" Ariana said and with that, she walked out with a smirk on her face.
She was confident that she will get Adrian.
**********
Mr Lancaster had met with Victor Cole, he had really considered what his daughter had said.
Victor sat behind his massive desk, his expression carved from stone. The door opened, and his assistant ushered in Mr. Vaughn. The two men shook hands stiffly, neither pretending warmth.
Victor: "To what do I owe the honor, Vaughn?"
Mr. Vaughn: "Let's not waste each other's time. I'm here with an opportunity. One that secures the future of both our companies."
Victor leaned back, unimpressed. "I've heard that line a hundred times this year. Make it worth my while."
Mr. Vaughn slid a folder across the desk. Inside were projections, contracts, and market blueprints.
Mr. Vaughn: "A joint venture. Your shipping lines, my international networks. Together, we monopolize distribution in three continents. Competitors won't stand a chance."
Victor's eyes flicked over the pages, his features tightening. The numbers were good—too good.
Victor: "And what's the catch?"
Mr. Vaughn's lips curled into a thin smile. "Not a catch. A bond. This isn't just about business, Victor. It's about family. I propose we seal the partnership in the oldest way possible—through marriage."
Victor's head snapped up, his stare ice-cold.
Victor: "You're joking."
Mr. Vaughn: "I'm not. Your son and my daughter, engaged once more. It binds our families, it binds our companies. Permanently."
Victor's silence hung heavy, the tick of the clock echoing in the office. Memories of the last broken engagement flickered like knives.
Victor: "You humiliated my family once. Do you think I've forgotten?"
Mr. Vaughn: "Which is why this deal matters more now. You know as well as I do, business is war. I'm offering you victory. And unlike before, Ariana is committed. She understands what's at stake."
Victor tapped the folder slowly, his jaw flexing.
Victor: "If I even consider this, Vaughn, I'll need guarantees. I won't have my son's future toyed with again."
Mr. Vaughn: "You have my word. Ariana won't fail this time. She knows this marriage isn't just about her—it's about legacy."
For the first time, Victor leaned back, his mask cracking just enough to show thought. The numbers in the folder were screaming opportunity. And yet, his gut whispered trouble.
Still, for men like Victor Cole, profit always shouted louder than instinct.
Victor: "…I'll think about it."
Mr. Vaughn smiled faintly, rising from his chair.
Mr. Vaughn: "Do more than think, Victor. This is the kind of deal men like us are remembered for."
And with that, he left, his footsteps echoing down the hall.
Victor sat in the silence of his office, staring at the contract. His pen lay beside it like a loaded weapon.