"Hey, Ariel! Why the rush? You're gonna fly outta here if you go any faster!" Moana called out, balancing a steaming plate of fried eggs and plantains as she set it on their small, wobbly wooden table.
"Come over, let's eat, at least take something."
"Moana, I can't… this is a once in a lifetime job opportunity.. If I miss it, I'll never forgive myself," Ariel shot back politely, scooping up her handbag from the worn-out couch.
She threw Moana a hasty wave, already halfway out the door.
Moana sighed, flopping into a chair, arms crossed as she watched Ariel dash into the streets with fire on her heels.
"She never gets tired of job-hunting. My God, I hope the heavens cut her some slack this time."
With another sigh, she grabbed a fork and dug into her breakfast alone.
Meanwhile…
Mr. Williams Dario, the fifth-generation heir of the Dario Company, was already stepping out of his sleek mansion, his PA walking briskly beside him.
Dressed in a crisp black suit that fit him like a second skin, he adjusted his designer sunglasses, without saying a single word.
"Sir, there are several applicants hoping to be screened today. Would you be available for the selection process?" the PA asked, flipping through his neatly arranged tablet.
Williams gave a curt nod, while his face remained expressionless.
"And, uh, about Festusal Ventures…. they're ready to sign the contract, but they're waiting for your go-ahead."
Williams stopped right before his black limousine, the door already held open by a uniformed chauffeur.
He gave a swift response, with a final tone.
"Tell them to be in my office at 2 PM sharp, we'll sign it then."
The PA bowed slightly. "Understood, sir."
As soon as the car slid onto the road, Williams leaned back into his seat, rubbing his temple.
Ten minutes in, he suddenly leaned forward. "Stop the car."
The driver hit the brakes gently, confused. "Sir, is there something you need? I can get it for you."
Williams didn't reply. His sharp eyes were locked on something.
Without another word, he stepped out.
*
*
*
Ariel hummed to herself, half in a good mood, half in a panic.
"Hnnhmmm… hnmmmm… hnmmmm…"
The rhythm of her favorite song played somewhere in the streets, blending with the usual city chaos.
But as she glanced at her watch, her stomach tied knots.
"Oh no! I'm gonna be late if I don't get a cab on time!" she groaned, frantically waving down every passing cab.
"Of course, when you need one the most, they all decide to be occupied." She muttered.
*
*
*
Williams finally found himself standing before what had caught his attention; a necklace displayed in a jewelry shop window.
That chain…
His chest tightened. It was the exact same design he had once gifted his wife.
Memories came rushing back. His fingers twitched before he finally stepped inside.
"I want this," he said, pointing at the necklace.
The receptionist, who had been casually typing away, glanced up and immediately froze.
Her eyes widened like saucers.
"Oh my world!" she nearly shrieked, but quickly slapped a hand over her mouth.
"Mr. Williams Dario?! The CEO of Dario's Company?!"
Williams barely reacted. He had no patience for overexcited fanfare.
His face remained impassive behind his sunglasses as he simply repeated, "The chain?"
The receptionist snapped out of her daze, straightening her shoulders, "R-right! I'll pack it up immediately, sir!"
As she busied herself, Williams' phone rang. He turned slightly toward the large glass and transparent window while answering.
His eyes caught something.
Ariel was standing in the golden afternoon light, dressed in a soft pink gown that hugged her frame just right, she was a vision.
Her brown hair lifted gently with the breeze as she desperately flapped her hands at passing cabs.
She had no idea she was being watched.
Williams' grip on his phone loosened. The voice on the other end of the call kept repeating his name, but he wasn't listening anymore.
Then, without warning, he moved.
The receptionist, just about to hand him his packaged goods, was left standing there, blinking in confusion as he strode out of the store.
"Umm… Sir? Your necklace?!"
Her words were swallowed by the buzz of the streets as Williams walked.
Williams moved so confidently as he crossed the busy road, dodging honking cars and rushing pedestrians without so much as a flinch.
His focus was locked….not on Ariel, but on the shadows behind her.
The moment he reached her, he grabbed her hands and pulled her into a firm embrace.
Ariel's breath hitched. What the….?!
Her entire body went rigid as she tried to process the sheer audacity of this complete stranger hugging her out of the blue.
'Who does this guy think he is?!'
But while Ariel was trying to fathom his boldness, Williams' eyes were locked onto the group of thugs silently nearby.
They had been closing in on her and their movements were suspicious.
Now, they saw she wasn't alone.
The presence of a tall, well-dressed man…one who clearly wasn't afraid… made them hesitate.
They exchanged a few glances. Then, without a word, they melted back into the crowd.
Ariel, still caught in his arms, finally snapped back to reality.
"Hey!" She shoved against his chest and pulled away, with her eyes blazing.
"Who the hell are you, and what makes you think you can just hug me like that?!"