A PURPLE DESIRE

THE LOVE

There was a loud crack of electric wires throughout the building. People shouted from inside and outside of the streets. But Lea doesn't pay attention to it. Even though she was injured, she still managed to run up the stairs going to her unit.

Andrei!," she called. Lea first went to Andrei's room, but she didn't find him there, so she went to the kitchen. In the palm of her hand, Lea was filled with nervousness when she couldn't see Andrei right away.

"Andrei!"

She called again, as she ran to the living room.

"I'm here." Luckily, Lea heard it.

"Oh my, let's go!"

Lea ran again going down the stairs with Andrei. The fire man was in shock to see Lea successfully make her way out. Even though the whole ground is full of trucks of water tanks they manage to assist Lea.

Later on, Lea decided to take Andrei to her sister in law's home to ask them to live there first. Her sister in-law at the same time is now more concerned about their situation so they receive a warm welcome to their home.

Days past, Lea continued to her current work. she is lacking financial stability. She has to work hard for her future, together with Andrei.

"Take a break sometimes. You also need to take care of yourself otherwise you will get sick."

Lea's sister in law gave her advice one morning.

"Thank you Anne..but I have more bills to pay.."

"Expenses are part of our lives. but that doesn't mean you will be a slave to money"

"Yeah I know that, that's why I'm working hard enough for our living. Anyway I'm looking for another job the next day. I need an additional income to save money." Lea said. Anne listened to her, she knows that Lea is such a kind and hard-working woman ever since.

"Alright, I'm here to help you..." Anne told her and the two gave each other a closer hug.

"Time to leave, before I get late." Lea said. But before she leaves the house she tries to check Andrei who is still sleeping in the room.

"Don't worry, I will cook his favorite food this morning, also there is an ice cream on my ref, he will enjoy it." Anne said then Lea finally left the house for work.

In the evening, right after Lea closed the store. The unexpected customer returned and Lea didn't want to call his name as long as she already saw him.

"I thought you were a millionaire housewife now, but I am wrong. You are still poor." The man told her. Lea took a deep breath and said,

"Mind your own business," Lea replied to him who is standing behind in his sports car, and trying to replace himself in her way.

"What? Huh!" He frowned.

"I'm sorry, by the way Sir, the store is already closed and I can't assist you anyway. come back tomorrow if you want anything." Lea's stronger advice.

"I'm here to wait for someone, it happened that the store you are working at is here" He said.

Lea felt sad but she manage not showing it on her faces. Heaviness in her heart is undeniable but she has to control it.

"It's getting late, and I should probably head home," she finally managed to say.

"You must be hungry. Come with me for a dinner." He said.

"But you are meeting with someone.." Lea replied.

"No, I mean. She has to go somewhere for an emergency. And I'm hungry too.." he explained.

"No. Actually, I'm not hungry. I have to get home now. Shouldn't you be getting back to your home now? Also, may I know if when is the wedding?" Lea asks with a fake facial expression against her heart.

"Alright, let me take you home" he told her with very calm voices.

"No thanks, I'm not afraid even when the streets is dark."

Lea is about to leave but the man holds her left arms and she was pulled into the lounge of his fancy car. Lea has nothing to do since the driver has already started the engine and take off the place. They circled the block two more times.

"Please let me out," she insisted. "There isn't anything for us to talk about." Lea's increasing voices come up with the man sitting behind her. Would he think she cared?

She didn't-not anymore.

He said, sounding so calm, "Oh yes, Lea, there is much to talk about. Just for your information, I do not have a date tonight"

She kept her tone even and flat, as if seeing him and being this close to him wasn't killing her.

"I have to go now. Please don't look for me again." She waited for him to have the driver stop the car, so she could get out.

Instead, he said, "Tomorrow, we will have lunch... and talk further."

She met his brooding black eyes. "I'm working tomorrow. I will not have lunch with you."

Trying to keep the quiver from her voice, she said, "Let me out."

"You really have no idea. But let me tell you this Lea, with just one phone call, I can have you dismissed from your employment."

He never raised his tone, he just stated a fact she knew to be true. He was that powerful. There it was, the brute threatening her, just as his Step mother Angela had.

"I.."

No, she wasn't going to think about that. She wouldn't let him see her fear. She had to get away from him.

"Let me out of here Frank!"

"Frank?" He replied.

"You used to call me "Love", remember?" His husky whisper sent heat up her spine, taking the chill of fear away.

She recalled much more than just that single memory. A vivid recollection emerged in her mind, transporting her back to the evening when he had invited her for dinner at one of the most expensive restaurant, a night that seemed like a distant memory now. She could still picture herself in that black, figure-hugging cocktail dress that she couldn't bear to part with, hanging in her closet.

As they entered his suite, she was taken aback by the grandeur of the setting, with a lavish dinner spread of lobster and steak awaiting them. It was a surprise to her that he possessed such an extravagant suite on the place. He had revealed to her that he was not merely a guest but one of the owners of the high-end and we'll-known restaurant in local and international.

As he guided her towards the balcony, his touch was tender as he intertwined his fingers with hers, both of them looking out at the starry night sky. The darkness of the night mirrored the enigmatic depth of his eyes, creating a sense of intimacy and connection between them that was hard to ignore.

The memory of that particular moment stayed with her, a mix of emotions flooding her mind as she recalled the past. It was a bittersweet reminder of a time that seemed so distant now, yet still held a special place in her heart. The nostalgia of that night lingered, bringing a sense of longing and melancholy.