Love Beyond Borders [ON-GOING]

CHAPTER 4: QUESTIONS AND CONNECTIONS

We know before we date someone, we start knowing them first before we commit...

DRAVEN'S POV

Getting to know Eileen has been intriguing. She has this mysterious air about her, and I can't shake the feeling that she's not sharing everything about her life. Who are you, Eileen?

Should I take the things that happen between us seriously? But Noah was the first to meet her, and now I realize he used my picture in his Tinder profile.

You know, I was the one she matched with and started talking to.

"Damn it, Amanda! Did you really spend so much on my card?" My father's voice echoed from downstairs, dripping with irritation. "You're just like your son, completely careless with money! You just sit in my office every day!"

Screams followed, and I could feel my blood boil. Did he just say "your son"? I couldn't stand it anymore.

They were fighting about money again. I hurried to pack my things, my heart racing with frustration.

I had to get out of here. My dad was delusional, and I couldn't breathe the same air as him any longer. I decided to stay at my grandmother's house. I still had some savings, but I needed to find a job fast.

Traveling from Melbourne to Gold Coast wasn't a big deal, but I was exhausted and fell asleep on the bus.

GOLD COAST

I figured my father might actually appreciate me if he saw me working hard. For now, I'd keep my distance, and maybe once he learned to love me, I could go home again.

When the bus finally stopped, I spotted a coffee shop that was hiring. I rushed inside and approached a striking woman behind the counter.

"Hi, I'm Draven. I'd like to apply for a job at your café," I said, trying to sound confident.

"Hey, I'm Love, yes, that's really my name. I own this café," she replied, her gaze locking onto mine.

I couldn't tell if she was flirting with me, but she bit her lip, which only added to my confusion.

"Well, I heard you're looking for a waiter," I replied, trying to maintain my composure.

"There's a cashier position available. Would you be interested?" Love offered, handing me an application form.

I filled it out quickly; cashier work was easy enough. She explained that the morning shift was filled, and my schedule would be for the afternoon.

"Here's my number," she said with a smile. "Text me if you get the job."

I left the café, contemplating her. She was attractive, but I felt like she wasn't really on my level. I had higher standards when it came to women.

DRAVEN'S GRANDMOTHER'S HOUSE

The house was small but cozy. As long as I didn't have to hear my dad's voice, I was fine. My grandmother had passed away, but I had a copy of the key.

I took a moment to assess the place. It was dusty, with furniture covered in sheets. Time to clean up.

5:00 PM

After five hours of cleaning, I finally checked my phone. I had messages from both Love and Eileen.

Love had just said hi, but I hesitated to respond.

Why did she give me her number instead of just using the one on my application? I decided to reply to Eileen first.

"Hey, just finished cleaning. What's up?" I sent, hoping for a quick response.

After sending the message, I waited. Maybe Eileen was busy. I kept checking my phone but didn't get a reply right away. Then my phone rang; it was Noah.

"Hey, bro, I went to your house, and the maid said you were gone. What happened?" Noah asked.

I felt guilty for not updating him.

"I just needed a break from my dad. I found a job, though."

"Well, take care. How's it going with Eileen? Did she fall for you?" he teased.

"You're supposed to chat with her, not me," I shot back.

"Bro, that's on you. She's not going to like me. I used your identity, remember? So she's all yours," Noah replied.

"Are you sure? You know I hate serious relationships, right?" I replied, feeling a knot in my stomach.

"Well, did you forget about Anikka? She's gone now. Just update me, and if you need anything, I'm here!" Noah said before hanging up.

Anikka, the girl who had broken my heart. I caught her cheating on me, and the last time I saw her, she was in a hospital bed, dying of cancer. It was a tragic end to our long story.

I grabbed a quick bite from a nearby store, reflecting on my day. Love had told me I'd start tomorrow, but I hadn't heard from Eileen yet. Maybe she was just busy.

While waiting, I decided to check out Eileen's social media. As I scrolled, I stumbled upon a picture of her with her best friend, Vanessa. Damn, Vanessa was hot and clearly well-off.

Is Eileen rich too? I kept scrolling and found a photo of a guy from five months ago. Was this her boyfriend? Maybe that's why she hadn't replied to me.

Curiosity gnawed at me. I accidentally liked the picture. Great job, Draven just fantastic!

A moment later, my phone buzzed with a message from Eileen.

"So I have a stalker now? I didn't know you liked me that much. Good morning to me, I guess," Eileen replied, teasing me.

I was supposed to say that guy was hot and that I definitely wasn't into guys, but I didn't want to mess this up.

"I just accidentally tapped it; you know I have clumsy hands. But you and your boyfriend look so cute together," I replied, trying to keep it light.

"HAHAHAHA, he's not my boyfriend; he's my brother! I've never had a boyfriend," she typed back.

Wait, she's never had a boyfriend? I had to know more.

"Why don't you have a boyfriend? I mean, since birth?" I asked, genuinely curious.

"Well, it's just not my thing... but now I think I'm ready," she replied.

"Well, I'd be lucky to be your first boyfriend," I typed, surprised at my own boldness.

That wasn't part of my plan; I usually went for women who were hot and wealthy, but Eileen intrigued me.

"In your dreams! I want to get to know you more, Draven. Goodnight! I have to do something important. Have a great night!" Eileen replied before going offline.

I smiled to myself. I wanted to know her more too. Maybe this girl had the potential to draw me in deeper than I expected.