Chapter 3 Unexpected encounter

Alex entered the pristine washroom, his bodyguards standing guard outside to ensure no one else could enter. The guards scanned the space quickly but failed to notice that someone was already inside.

Alex approached the marble sink, running the water and meticulously washing his hands. He leaned forward to inspect his reflection, adjusting his tie and smoothing his hair. Everything had to be perfect after all, he was about to face the public, the media, and his rivals. He didn't tolerate imperfection.

As he reached for a tissue, he heard the unmistakable sound of a toilet flushing. His brows furrowed, and his eyes flicked toward the stall door visible in the mirror. A moment later, a young boy emerged, looking a bit flustered. The boy walked up to the sink beside Alex, washed his hands, and seemed to notice nothing out of the ordinary.

Sam was a boy caught between childhood and adulthood, standing at sixteen with a heart too big for his own good. He had the same radiant features as his sister, Rainee, but with a youthful charm that made him seem more approachable. His brown eyes were wide and expressive, betraying every emotion he tried to hide. There was a softness to him, a vulnerability that made people instinctively want to protect him, though it often made him an easy target for teasing.

Stubborn to a fault, Sam had a way of digging in his heels, especially when he thought he was doing the right thing.

Yet beneath his immaturity lay a deep well of kindness and an emotional sensitivity that made him attuned to the feelings of those around him. He adored Rainee with a devotion that was almost overwhelming, always putting her happiness above his own. Even when life weighed heavily on him, Sam would plaster on a smile, masking his pain so she wouldn't have to carry his burdens.

Though he could be a bit impulsive, quick to act on his emotions, his heart was always in the right place. Sam's world revolved around love, his love for his sister, for the people he cared about, and his desire to make their lives just a little brighter, even if it meant dimming his own light.

Alex, as always, ignored the presence of others. He resumed checking his reflection, his focus solely on himself.

Sam, on the other hand, was in his own world until his eyes landed on Alex's wrist. His movements froze, his gaze locked onto the sleek, dazzling watch.

He gasped audibly, unable to contain his shock. Without thinking, he grabbed Alex's wrist in excitement.

"No way! How do you have this?!"

Sam's voice was filled with wonder as he stared at the watch. He knew RW watches better than anyone this design was completely new, unlike anything he had seen before. It had to be part of the limited edition being launched today. His heart raced with excitement.

Alex, however, was anything but amused. The idea that someone a stranger, no less had the audacity to touch him sent a wave of cold anger through his veins. He gritted his teeth, his voice dangerously low.

"Get off."

Sam didn't seem to hear him, lost in his admiration. "Huh?" he asked, looking up at Alex with bright, curious eyes.

Alex snapped. "I said, GET YOUR DIRTY HANDS OFF ME!"

His thunderous voice echoed through the washroom, startling Sam. Before the boy could react, Alex shoved him away. Sam stumbled backward, falling hard onto the tiled floor with a loud thud.

Moments later, Alex's bodyguards stormed inside. Seeing the boy on the ground, they acted without question.

Grabbing Sam by the arms, they dragged him out of the washroom as if he was a criminal.

"Wait, what are you doing?! Let me go!" Sam protested, but his voice was drowned out by the guards' firm grip and Alex's cold indifference.

Outside, they threw him to the ground with no regard for his dignity. Sam landed hard, this time scraping his elbow on the rough flooring. Pain shot through his arm, but worse was the humiliation. He hissed softly, clutching his arm as tears welled in his eyes.

This wasn't the first time he had been treated poorly by the rich, but it didn't make it any less painful. The weight of helplessness pressed on his chest as he wiped at his tears, desperate to hide his emotions.

Eventually, Sam rose to his feet and made his way toward the showroom where Rainee was waiting. He tried to compose himself, hastily wiping his face before stepping in front of her.

Rainee, sipping her iced American, noticed him immediately. Her sharp eyes took in the redness around his eyes and the scrape on his elbow. She lowered her cup, her expression turning to concern.

"What happened? How did you get hurt?"

Rainee's voice was filled with concern. The moment Sam heard her soft, caring tone, the dam he was trying so hard to hold back broke. Tears streamed down his face as he began to cry silently, like a little child.

Rainee's heart twisted at the sight. She moved closer, crouching slightly to meet his eyes. Even though he made no noise, the sheer pain in his expression was enough to shatter her composure.

"Nothing.... just... encountered a rude person. Let it be. I won't cry today....." he mumbled, his voice trembling as he hastily wiped at his tears with the back of his hands.

Rainee's eyes softened, but her heart burned with fury. She hated seeing her little brother like this hurt, humiliated, and trying to hide it. For his sake, she pushed down her rising anger and asked in a controlled tone, "Who hurt you?"

Sam looked at her and gulped. He knew his sister too well her anger was fierce, and she never hesitated to defend him, even if it meant creating a scene. The last thing he wanted was to make matters worse, especially here.

"No one," he lied, forcing a weak smile that didn't reach his eyes. "I tripped. It's fine. Let's go now. I don't want to be late they're about to cut the ribbon."

Rainee stared at him for a long moment, her sharp gaze searching his face. She knew he wasn't telling the truth. His forced smile and downcast eyes betrayed him. Still, she sighed and decided to let it go, for now. She didn't want to ruin his day any further.

"Alright," she said, feigning belief. "Let's go."

They walked toward the showroom, where a crowd had gathered, clapping and cheering. Rainee followed Sam's gaze and noticed the man everyone was celebrating, Alex Fraser. He stood at the center of attention, cutting the ceremonial ribbon with effortless charm and confidence.

Rainee raised her eyebrows as recognition hit her. She had heard of Alex Fraser before his reputation for wealth, power, and arrogance preceded him. This was her first time seeing him in person, and his aura practically screamed luxury. From his custom tailored suit to his impeccable posture, everything about him radiated wealth.

And she hated it....

To be continued