Strings of Fate

Coincidence

The morning sun filtered through the blinds of my office at the Palade National Museum, casting soft patterns of light across the worn pages of the ancient texts before me. My head throbbed faintly with the remnants of last night's festivities, a reminder of the glasses of wine that had flowed freely at the club.

I rubbed my temples, trying to shake off the mild hangover as I pored over the history of Palade City's founding families. The Frasseiu name stood out prominently in the annals of the city's history, their influence and wealth tracing back to the very beginnings of this urban metropolis.

According to the texts, the appearance of the red strings had first been noted with Elias Strongbow, a figure shrouded in mystery and intrigue. He had been the first recorded person to see the string and sparked a revolution of thought and belief in Palade City. Some saw it as a divine connection, while others, like Ezra, viewed it as a curse.

Lost in my research, I startled when my phone buzzed on the desk, breaking the silence of the museum archives. An unknown number flashed on the screen, and with a sinking feeling, I knew who it was.

*Audrey, remember our agreement. Keep this between us,* the text read, simple yet loaded with unspoken implications.

I hesitated for a moment, my fingers hovering over the screen. With a sigh, I typed back a quick reply. *I won't say a word.*

With that dealt with for now, I gathered my things and locked up the office, heading out for lunch with Ivan. He was waiting for me at our favorite café, a warm smile spreading across his face as he caught sight of me approaching.

"Hey, beautiful," Ivan greeted me, standing to pull out a chair for me. His beard was neatly trimmed, framing a face that always made my heart skip a beat. His light brown eyes sparkled with warmth and affection as he kissed me gently on the cheek.

"Hi," I replied, feeling a rush of gratitude for having him in my life. We ordered our lunches, chatting comfortably about our plans for the upcoming move and the excitement of finally living together.

"I can't wait to wake up next to you every morning," Ivan said softly, reaching across the table to take my hand in his. "You're everything to me, Audrey."

His words stirred a deep warmth within me, reassuring me of the love we shared. Despite the complications with Ezra and the unsettling revelation of the red string, Ivan's presence grounded me.

After lunch, Ivan invited me to dinner at our favorite Italian restaurant to celebrate his promotion to head of the finance department at his firm. Excitement buzzed between us as we enjoyed each other's company, savoring the delicious food and toasting to Ivan's success.

"You deserve this promotion, Ivan," I said, smiling across the candlelit table at him. "I'm so proud of you."

He reached across and took my hand, his eyes shining with happiness. "Thank you, Audrey. I couldn't have done it without your support."

As the evening progressed, laughter filled the air between us, and for a moment, the worries of the day seemed distant. But as we neared the end of our meal, I glanced up and froze.

There, entering the restaurant with a blonde woman who looked like an angel with her blue eyes and delicate features, was Ezra. My heart skipped a beat, fear gripping me as they were seated at a table not far from ours. Ezra's gaze found mine, a knowing smirk playing on his lips.

I wonder who she was.

I quickly looked away, praying that Ivan wouldn't notice anything unusual. But then my phone buzzed silently in my purse. I stole a glance—it was Ezra.

*He looks nice. Is this your person?* the text read, his words a taunting reminder of our unsettling connection.

I clenched my fists under the table, my mind racing. Ivan was turned towards me, chatting animatedly about his plans for the future, unaware of the tension brewing around us.

As dinner came to an end, Ivan excused himself to use the restroom. In that moment, Ezra caught my eye again, his smirk deepening as he watched Ivan walk away. I felt a chill run down my spine, a sense of impending doom settling over me.

When Ivan returned, his eyes bright with excitement, he glanced past me and froze. "Audrey, isn't that Ezra Frasseiu?"

My heart plummeted. "Im not sure"

Ivan frowned slightly, his gaze shifting between Ezra and me. "His father funds my firm. I should say hi."

Panic surged through me. "Ivan, please, let's just go. I don't feel so good"

But Ivan was already on his feet, walking over to Ezra's table with a congenial smile. I watched helplessly as they exchanged pleasantries, Ezra's gaze never leaving mine. Ivan seemed oblivious to the tension in the air, but as he turned to leave, his expression changed.

He glanced down at our intertwined pinkies, the red string connecting us now visible to him. Shock and confusion flickered across his face, and without a word, he walked back to our table.

"Audrey," Ivan began quietly, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "Why didn't you tell me?"

Tears stung my eyes as I struggled to find the right words. "I didn't want to... I was going to, but..."

"I need time to process this," Ivan interrupted, his tone distant. "I'll call you."

And with that, he left me standing there, devastated and alone.

Outside the restaurant, I leaned against the cool brick wall, my heart breaking into a thousand pieces. Anger surged within me—not just towards Ezra, but towards myself for letting this happen.

"He's a piece of work, isn't he?" Ezra's voice startled me, and I turned to find him standing there, watching me with an inscrutable expression.

"You did this," I accused, my voice trembling with rage and pain.

Ezra shrugged nonchalantly. "I merely pointed out the truth. Your lover couldn't handle it."

Tears welled up in my eyes as I glared at him. "Why are you doing this?"

He regarded me coolly, his brown eyes piercing. "Because, Audrey, in this city, power and influence come with a price. And sometimes, you're caught in the middle whether you like it or not."

I wiped away a tear, my fists clenched in frustration. "I hate you."

"I know" was all he said.

"Who's the blonde?" I demanded.

He chuckled softly, his gaze locked on mine as he slowly approached me. "Are you jealous, Audrey?"

"You have no right," I shot back, my voice trembling with anger. "If you didn't want me to say anything, you could've just left me alone."

Ezra's expression softened slightly, a hint of something like regret flickering in his eyes. "You're my string, Audrey. I need to protect you, especially where I come from."

My fists clenched at my sides, frustration and confusion warring within me. "Protect me from what? You've only brought chaos into my life."

He sighed heavily, running a hand through his dark hair. "It's not that simple."

"None of this is simple," I retorted bitterly. "You've ruined everything."

Ezra's lips curved into a rueful smile. Taking another step towards me he has me against the wall now. He then looks at my neck and closes his eyes, he takes a deep breath almost as if inhaling me. "Perhaps. But for now, remember our agreement. Keep this between us."

He turned and walked away, leaving me to wrestle with the shattered pieces of my heart in the cold night air.

________
Hey guys! Azu here, been trying to update as much as I can. Started this story to distract myself from a breakup and its working, please let me know any thoughts you may have