Finding Her

************

CHAPTER 7

With the start of a new day, Ariel felt weak and tired, her body so sore as though she had run a marathon. She stretched out under the covers as she lay down beside Mira who slept soundly next to her.

She closed her eyes as sleep overtook her but it didn't last long as thoughts swirled around inside her head like storm clouds gathering over a distant horizon.

"It's been three days now. I need to get my ass together."

She had woken up like every other day and was about to get ready for work as usual when she realized she had none.

A soft groan escaped her lips and she shook her head and leaned back against the bed frame.

'He never did answer me, did he? My apologies I mean. I wonder if…' she shook her head at her crazy thought.

There was no way the wealthy boss of Leo Spark would even forgive her let alone keep her thoughts in his mind.

And even if he did, she made sure to leave a bitter memory for him.

Still, she couldn't give up on herself and decided to resume her search for a job from square one again. Life had dealt her a terrible blow and each time she chose to rise up, she was defeated still.

"Mum, Dad, see me through," she muttered as she clutched her necklace, the last gift from her mother and the only possession she got to keep from her family's wealth after losing it all to relatives.

*********

The bright sunlight bathed the bustling city streets in a seductive glow as Drax stepped out of his sleek blue Lamborghini Aventador.

Dressed in a tailored charcoal grey suit that accentuated his broad shoulders and chiselled features, he exuded an air of confidence and power that commanded attention.

His piercing blue eyes scanned the surroundings, the rhythmic beat of music seeping through the towering glass doors of the high-end club, inviting him inside.

All eyes settled on him as he strutted into the club. The walls were adorned with shimmering crystal chandeliers, casting a cascading sea of dancing lights across the polished marble floor.

Elegantly dressed patrons mingled with an air of sophistication, sipping champagne and engaging in hushed conversations.

Ignoring what was going on, he approached the marble-topped bar, where a suave bartender nodded in recognition.

"Good evening, sir. What can I get you?" he inquired, pouring a measure of amber liquid into a crystal glass.

From the way he spoke, Drax knew he did not recognize him and was obviously a new worker.

"Scotch, neat," Drax replied with a nod, his gaze scanning the crowd for any sign of the one he sought.

His attention was drawn to a group of waitresses, elegantly clad in black and white uniforms, gracefully gliding between tables, their smiles enchanting the patrons they served. Yet, the one he sought was absent.

Leaning against the polished wood of the bar, Drax engaged the bartender in conversation, skillfully extracting the information he needed.

"Excuse me. I'm looking for a waitress named Ariel. Can you tell me where I might find her?"

The bartender's brows furrowed as he paused, mulling over the name.

"Ah, Ariel," his eyes lit up. "I'm sorry, she was let go a few days ago. Some unfortunate misunderstanding, I believe," he revealed, his voice lowered to a discreet tone as his eyes scanned the surrounding.

Drax's eyes narrowed in frustration, his jaw tightened imperceptibly but he swiftly regained his composure, keeping his cool.

"Thank you for that." He dipped his hand into his pocket, took out some cash and pushed it to the bartender.

"Umm so sir your drink."

Ignoring the bartender's call, he left the club, the cool night air hitting his face as he made his way back to his waiting limousine.

No sooner had he left than another young man walked up to the bartender and leaned against the counter.

"Do not tell me like Ariel you too have angered the Boss."

Alarmed the bartender asked, "What?"

"Pfft, Ryan, I told you what happened the day before your arrival and you still did not listen."

"How am I supposed to know, Brad? It is not like you have his picture hanging in the club for…" Before he could finish his sentence, Brad pointed at the wall to the left-hand side.

"Oh shit. But in my defence, he only asked for a drink and…" He paused and lifted his eyes to look at Ryan.

"And what?"

"I don't know. This may seem weird, but I think he only came to ask for her."

"Huh?" Brad's brows knitted as he studied his friend. "Who?"

"No… forget it. I just know I am not in trouble."

*******

Drax's mind churned with thoughts of Ariel and the connection they had shared however brief and unintentional it may have been.

Arriving at Ariel's modest apartment building, Drax climbed out of his car and ascended the staircase, till he got in front of her door.

He reached her doorknob and took a deep breath, his heart racing with anticipation. When he asked Adam for her details, the latter failed to add the fact that she had been displaced from her job.

'Tsk, this better goes well or I would make him pay.' Drax voiced inwardly.

Without a doubt, he knew he was the cause. He could not let her go, at least not now, not after what he saw.

Knocking softly, he waited for a response and when he heard Ariel's soft voice call out from inside, his heartbeat picked pace, thudding loudly in his chest.

The door creaked open, revealing Ariel dressed in a red thigh-length gown as her double-coloured eyes widened with surprise.

She stood before him, her burgundy hair cascading in loose waves around her shoulders, dressed in a simple yet elegant outfit. Her hands trembled slightly, betraying a mix of apprehension and curiosity.

She could not shake the dread and chills that ran down her spine, thinking he was here to seek his revenge for what she had done.

Without thinking, she shut the door in his face, her heart racing wildly.