Meant To Be

Chapter 4 : Meant To be

"HEY YOU!!!" he yelled, his voice cutting through the stunned silence like a knife.

Joy's voice slightly tremble as she responded, her eyes reflecting a mix of regret and determination. "I didn't mean for this to happen. I will take full responsibility and pay for damages."

Joy's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. The boy stare at her, his eyes widening in familiarity as if he has met her.

"Wait... , I know you! You're the pretty lady who bought my grilled beef earlier.... What's your name again?... Ah yes, I remember, Joy! Your name is Joy, right?" the boy exclaimed, his face lighting up with recognition.

Joy's heart skipped a beat as she nodded in confirmation. "Y-yes... I am Joy."

Suddenly, a wave of realization washed over her as she remembered the boy who had sold her the delicious grilled beef earlier.

"You're the grilled beef vendor!!" Joy exclaimed, her eyes brightening with excitement.

"Yes, I'm THAT vendor. Nice to see you again," the boy confirmed with a warm smile.

Joy couldn't help but smile back at the boy, feeling a glimmer of relief amidst the chaos that she caused.

"You quite made an impression... Look!! ... You even made a huge hole in our wall," the boy chuckled, pointing towards the gaping hole in the restaurant's wall.

Joy's cheeks burned with embarrassment as she followed the boy's gaze, her eyes widening in embarrassment at the sight of the damage she had caused.

"I-Uhh..." she stammered, at a loss for words as she struggled to find a way to make amends for her reckless actions.

"Who the hell made this mess! Who destroyed my restaurant!!!" the restaurant's owner's furious voice explode through the chaos.

In a panic, the boy grabbed Joy's hand and pulled her away from the raging owner.

"Wait! Let go of me!" Joy protested, her heart pounding with anxiety as she tried to explain the situation.

"We need to run away quickly, my boss is not someone you want to mess with," the boy said urgently, his voice tinged with worry.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Joy doesn't have a choice but to agree. "Alright, let's go!"

With a sense of urgency, Joy grabbed her belongings, and together with the boy, they sprint out of the restaurant, their footsteps echoing in the empty streets as they fled the wrath of the furious owner.

As hide in the dimly lit alley, Joy is exhausted but was towards the boy who had helped her escape the raging restaurant owner. She looked at him, her expression a mixture of appreciation and embarrassment.

"Thank you for helping me back there. I didn't mean to cause you so much trouble," Joy said, her voice tinged with sincerity.

The boy returned her gaze with a warm smile. "Well, I'm happy to help people.... I'll be going now; I need to fix the hole you made. My boss will beat me if I'm not there."

"Wait! I'll help you fix the wall. It's the least I can do after all the trouble I caused," Joy offered her assistance, determined to make amends.

The boy hesitated for a moment before gently taking Joy's hand. "I-It's fine, please don't go back there... If the boss finds out that you're the one who destroyed his restaurant, he'll compensate you... not with Crowns but..... But with something else."

"I appreciate your concern, but I can handle myself. Let me help you fix the wall together," Joy insisted, her cheeks flushing with determination as she gently pulled her hand away.

"Please.... , I can handle it," the boy replied with a reassuring smile.

With a nod, the boy turned to leave.

"Wait! What's your name?" Joy called out, her curiosity getting the better of her.

"My name is Chris,... Chris Alcantara!" the boy replied, turning back with a warm smile.

"Nice to meet you, Chris! By the way, lets me introduce myself again my is Joy,... Joy Dela Cruz. Thank you for helping me back there! " Joy said gratefully, returning his smile with sincerity.

Chris waved goodbye to Joy and walked back towards the restaurant.

"Take care, Chris! I hope we meet again!!" Joy waved back, watching Chris disappear into the street, feeling a newfound sense of connection with someone unexpected in her journey.

Curiosity mingled with worry push Joy into action as she stealthily grabbed her belongings and trailed Chris, back to the restaurant.

Hiding behind the corners, she observed his every move, her concern for his well-being intensifying with each step he took.

Joy watched as Chris entered the restaurant, her heart pounding in worry.

Suddenly, a scene unfolded before her eyes that filled her with a mixture of disdain and anger

The restaurant's owner's brutally slapped Chris's face, causing him to stumble and fall to the floor.

"You fucking pest!!! Where have you been? Go fix this damn mess this fucking instant!" the owner yells at Chris's ear, his voice dripping with rage.

Joy's eyes widened in disbelief and anger as she witnessed the owner merciless treatment of Chris.

To be continued....