I was exhausted that day,so I couldn't go through my bag.And I had to prepare for an early lecture the next day so I hardly had time to stay at home.
Two days later, I found myself staring at the card Alexander Sterling had given me.
It sat in my bag like it belonged there, the white surface clean and expensive, his name printed in bold black letters.
Alexander Sterling.
Under it was the address of his office building.
I had picked it up and put it down at least five times that morning, wondering if I should call the number first.
I checked my phone every minute.
But another part of me was restraining
Before I could change my mind, I picked up my phone and dialed the number.
A calm female voice answered.
"Sterling Corporation. How may I help you?"
"Hello… um… my name is Liana Carter. Mr. Sterling asked me to call about arranging a meeting."
There was a short pause.
"Yes, Miss Carter. Mr. Sterling is expecting you."
Expecting me?
My eyebrows lifted slightly.
In a satisfactory surprise
"He has a free slot this afternoon at three. Will that work for you?"
I glanced at the clock on my wall.
1:45 p.m.
"Yes," I said slowly. "That works."
"Perfect. Our driver will pick you up."
I blinked.
"I'm sorry?"
"Our driver. Mr. Sterling prefers his guests travel comfortably."
"That's really not necessary," I said .
"I can take the subway."
"I'll inform him of your preference."
Something in her tone made it sound like she already knew the answer.
Twenty minutes later, my phone rang again.
"Miss Carter," the same voice said politely. "Mr. Sterling insists."
I didn't argue again.
An hour later, a black car was waiting outside my apartment building.
The driver opened the door the moment I approached.
The ride across the city felt strange.
It was quiet inside the car, too quiet. I watched the streets pass through the window, wondering how a simple conversation had turned into something that felt so… formal.
The car stopped in front of a tall glass building downtown.
I stepped out, staring up at the shining structure.
This was where Alexander Sterling worked.
Inside, the lobby was even more impressive.
Polished marble floors. Quiet elevators. People in expensive suits walking quickly in every direction.
The receptionist greeted me immediately.
"Miss Carter? Mr. Sterling is waiting."
I followed her through a long hallway until we reached a large office.
She knocked once before opening the door.
Alexander looked up from his desk when I entered.
"Liana," he said with a smile.
"Thank you for coming."
His office was huge. Floor-to-ceiling windows looked over the city, sunlight pouring into the room.
I suddenly felt very aware of how small my world was compared to his.
"I hope the driver wasn't too inconvenient," he said.
"It wasn't necessary," I replied honestly.
His smile didn't fade.
"I disagree."
There was something calm but firm in the way he said it.
He gestured to a chair across from him.
"Sit."
I sat.
For a few minutes we talked about the lecture, politics, and my studies. The conversation flowed easily, just like he promised it would.
He asked thoughtful questions and listened carefully when I answered.
But halfway through the conversation, his attention shifted slightly.
"Do you live alone?" he asked.
The question caught me off guard.
"No."
He nodded slowly.
"And how do you usually get around the city?"
"The subway mostly."
"I see."
There was a small pause.
Then he leaned back in his chair.
"You shouldn't take the subway at night."
I frowned slightly.
"It's usually fine."
"It's not safe."
"I've lived here for years."
"That doesn't make it safe."
The firmness in his voice surprised me.
I gave a small laugh, trying to lighten the moment.
"I can take care of myself."
For the first time since I entered the room,his expression became serious.
"I'm sure you believe that."
Something about the way he said it made my smile fade slightly.But I didn't notice because I was busy admiring his life.
Then his expression softened again, as if the moment had never happened.
"I prefer knowing the people I care about are safe."
The words hung quietly in the room.
People I care about.
We had only met once.
But before I could respond, he stood and walked toward the window.
"Next time you need to go somewhere," he said calmly, "call my office. I'll arrange transportation."
I hesitated.
"That really isn't necessary."
He turned to face me again.
"I know."
His voice remained calm.
"But it's what I want."
For some reason, I didn't argue.
Not because I agreed.
But because something in his tone made it clear that arguing wouldn't change his mind.
At the time, I told myself it was just a concern.
A powerful man being protective.
Nothing more.
"Where are my manners?" I'm so sorry.
"How about a coffee"? He asked me, and I replied with a smile
"Sounds perfect"
He called his secretary.Get us a coffee.
"Yes sir".She turned to face me.
What would you like ma? She asked me.
"I want ice Americano please, but no sugar.
"Ice Americano"? He asked, That's too bland for your taste.
Turn to face his secretary
"She will take the Elida Natural Geisha,"he said.
I don't even know what that or tastes like but I heard it is one of the most expensive coffee in the world.So I did care.
I was busy smiling and surprised at the same time,but I didn't have a say in the coffee I was drinking.
But he said,"you will love it, trust me".
I silently Googled the coffee and I was shocked that a small cup of coffee could cost $75.
I guess I'm also happy that I get to meet an important person.
But looking back now…
That moment should have made me stop.
Because control doesn't appear all at once.
It begins quietly.
With small decisions.
Small suggestions.
Small moments where someone else slowly starts deciding what is best for your life.
And by the time you notice it…
It's already too late.