His Storm

Chapter 1: Collision Course

Mia stood in her bustling bakery, flour dusting her hands as she answered her phone. The caller ID displayed her delivery guy’s name, but the tone of his voice signaled trouble.

“Hey, Mia, I’m really sorry, but I can’t make it today. I’m sick. You’ll need to handle the delivery yourself,” he said, his voice weak and strained.

“What? You can’t send someone else?” Mia’s frustration bubbled to the surface.

“Wish I could, but I’m the only one available. Really sorry.” The line went dead before she could protest further.

“Just great,” she muttered, glancing at the clock. Time was slipping away, and her famous croissants needed to be at the café downtown before brunch.

With a resigned determination, she hoisted the heavy box filled with delicate pastries and glanced at her reflection in the shop window. High heels? Not the best choice for this. But she looked cute, and that had to count for something.

“You can do this,” she whispered to herself, stepping out into the chaotic street.

Navigating the bustling sidewalk, her heels clicked against the pavement, and she winced at the weight of the box. “Just a few blocks. You got this.”

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Luca Theodore Wilford was a man on a mission. Striding down the same street, he was lost in thought, his phone pressed to his ear. “I don’t care what it takes. Secure that contract by the end of the day,” he said, his tone sharp and commanding. As the CEO of Wilford Enterprises, he was used to making quick decisions and didn’t have time for delays.

He rounded the corner, glancing down at his phone when he noticed a flash of movement in his periphery.

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At that moment, Mia was shifting the box, trying to navigate the sea of pedestrians. She looked up just as Luca stepped into her path, his eyes focused on his phone. They both moved to the left, then to the right, mirroring each other in a chaotic dance.

“Excuse me—” she began, but he didn’t hear her over the chatter of his call. Frustration rose within her, and she stepped aside, only to have him bump into her as he tried to pass.

The impact sent Mia stumbling, and the heavy box slipped from her grasp, tumbling to the ground. “No, no, no!” she gasped as the croissants spilled onto the pavement, a culinary disaster unfolding before her eyes.

“Watch where you’re going!” Luca snapped, his irritation bubbling over as he ended his call. His expression was hard, radiating annoyance.

Mia stood up, brushing off her clothes, her heart racing from the fall and the shock of his abruptness. “Excuse me? I was trying to deliver those!” she glared at him, indignant.

“Well, maybe you should pay more attention to where you’re walking,” he retorted, crossing his arms over his tailored suit. “This is a public place.”

“And you could use a lesson in common courtesy! I don’t need your help; I need my pastries back!” Mia shot back, her cheeks flushed with anger and embarrassment.

“It’s just a few croissants. They’re not worth getting so worked up over.” His voice dripped with condescension, and it infuriated her.

“Not worth it? These aren’t just any croissants! They’re the centerpiece of my business! You don’t understand how hard I worked to get those baked and ready for delivery.” Her voice rose, fueled by frustration and the looming threat of failure.

“Look, I’m busy, and clearly, you’re not cut out for this. Why don’t you come to my office? We can sort this out properly.” Luca suggested, his tone dismissive.

“No thanks! I don’t need your charity or your unsolicited advice!” Mia countered, her heart racing as she felt the heat of his gaze.

“Charity? This isn’t about charity. It’s about being practical,” Luca snapped, his patience waning.

Mia stepped closer, challenging him. “Practical? You mean ignoring my hard work and belittling my passion? I’d rather pick up these croissants myself than take a dime from someone who clearly doesn’t value them.”

Luca stared at her, a mix of surprise and something deeper flickering in his eyes. She was undeniably fierce, and it intrigued him against his better judgment.

“Then pick them up,” he said, a slight smirk playing on his lips, but Mia wasn’t ready to back down.

“Don’t worry, I will. Just stay out of my way,” she shot back, her voice steady despite the chaos around them.

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And there goes the first chapter! Tell me in the comments how it was💕

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