Chapter 2

MAGNUS’S POV

I walked through the entrance, heading toward the wedding hall just as the ceremony was about to begin. Out of reflex, I reached out and caught a woman who was about to fall. Luckily, I got to her in time—she would’ve definitely lost one or two teeth with the way she was going down.

I steadied her on her feet, and when she lifted her face, our eyes met. I took off my glasses to look at her more closely.

There was something familiar about her. I knew I’d seen her somewhere—maybe the supermarket… or one of the many Dravon companies scattered across the city. No point stressing my brain over it.

“Hey, you need to get out of here,” one of the bouncers said sharply.

I looked around. People’s attention had already shifted to her, and three guards were surrounding the clearly exhausted girl.

“What’s the chaos all about?” I asked. Mrr. Magnus,” the guards bowed slightly.

“This lady is trying to cause a commotion and we were instructed to throw her out.”

“No, I wasn’t!” she cried quickly. “I only wanted to speak to—”

She stopped talking as if she was ashamed to say it all of a sudden, and I raised a brow at her. My gaze dropped—right to the open buttons of her dress, exposing her cleavage. I stared for a moment before I pulled my eyes away.

“Is this how you came here? Almost half-naked?” I asked.

She looked at me, confused, until her eyes followed mine. Realisation hit instantly. She grabbed the front of her dress, trying to cover herself just as she noticed the three buttons scattered on the floor.

“NoYouou must have ripped it off,” she said, gathering her dress tightly.

“Right,” I scoffed. “I know your kind. You want money, attention, maybe free food. So you cause chaos to get it.”

I pulled out my wallet—it’s a routine I’m used to.

“What?” she asked, pretending to look and sound clueless.

“Here,” I said, handing her some cash. “This will help with the damage—and other things.”

She didn’t take it. She just stared at it.

“You think this is about your money?” she shot back. “You rich people see a moderately dressed person and immediately assume they want something.”

I was actually amused. She had a stubborn spark I didn’t expect.

I stepped closer. People gasped, thinking I would do something harsh, but all I caught was her scent—vanilla mixed with chocolate. Warm. Sweet. Unexpected.

“Looking at your small suitcase, your worn-out shoes, your clothes…” I said quietly, You don’t exactly look like someone who should reject help. The money will go a long way.”

I held the cash out again.

“A man of your calibre shouldn’t force money on a woman who clearly doesn’t want it,” she said sharply. Then she grabbed her bag, held her torn dress tightly to her chest, and stormed out of the hall.

I watched her leave—surprised and strangely entertained. No one ever talks to me like that. No one rejects my money. But there’s always a first time for everything.

I put my glasses back on and headed into the hall where my younger sister, Elara, was about to marry her fiancé.

“Good morning, Mr Magnus,” some excited ladies at the entrance greeted.

I ignored them. I was used to women always trying to get my attention.

ARIA’S POV

“Maybe I should’ve accepted the money. Magnus offered me,” I muttered as I walked through the empty park, dragging my suitcase behind me. “I could’ve rented a small apartment, saved the rest… slept somewhere safe.”

I sighed deeply. “But no, Aria. Pride had to get in the way. And now look—no place to go, nowhere to rest your head.”

I sat on a long wooden bench, exhausted.

“Lord!" I shouted, my voice echoing in the open space.

"I am admitting it,” I whispered, wiping my tears. “I am tired. I am tired of being alone. I am tired of wandering, returning back to my beginnings over and over again. Please… come to my aid.”

“The Lord has answered your prayers,” a voice said suddenly from behind the bench.

I jumped up, startled.

Three men stood there. Rough-looking. Clothes unkempt. Eyes hungry. I knew instantly—they were trouble.

“You asked the Lord for aid,” one of them laughed wickedly, “and we are here to help you. So beg no more.”

“Please… I-I don’t want trouble,” I said, stepping back. “I just need a place to sleep. That’s all.”

“Then come,” another said, grinning. “Let’s all lie together. We promise—you’ll enjoy every bit of it.”

“No,” I whispered, clutching my bag. “Stay away from me.”

I turned and ran.

I didn’t think—didn’t look back. Just ran, tears blurring my vision, legs shaking, my heartbeat pounding in my ears.

“You can run,” one of them yelled behind me, “but you can’t run faster than us!”

I pushed my legs harder. Panic drove me straight into the road without checking.

A car screeched violently in front of me, headlights blinding me. My heart stopped. I thought I had just died.

“Are you blind or something? Can’t you see where you’re going?” a familiar voice roared.

I opened my eyes.

Through the blur, I saw him.

Mr. Magnus.

Again.

“You again?” he said, disbelief colouring his voice.