Crash into love

Meeting Ryder's ex

Anya retreated to her room, feeling mentally exhausted, she decided to step onto the balcony.

The cool night air enveloped her as she gazed out at the city skyline. Her thoughts drifted to her parents. " How different life would be if they were still alive," she sighed.

Memories of Sophia flooded her mind. Ryder's kindness and devotion to his daughter touched her heart. Lost in thought, Anya didn't notice Ryder's approach.

He stepped onto the balcony, noticing Anya's contemplative pose.
"Anya?" Ryder said softly, not wanting to startle her.

Anya turned, her eyes shimmering in the moonlight. "Sorry, I couldn't sleep," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Ryder's expression softened.
"It's midnight. You should rest. We have a big day tomorrow."

Anya nodded,but didn't move.

Ryder stepped closer,his presence comforting."Let me walk you back to your room,"he offered.

As they stood side by side, the city lights twinkling below, Ryder felt an overwhelming urge to protect and care for Anya.

"Are you okay?" He asked, his voice low and gentle.

Anya's gaze met his.
"Just lost in thought," she replied, her voice vulnerable.

Ryder's eyes locked onto hers. For a moment, they just looked at each other.

Anya slipped into bed, her thoughts still lingering on Ryder. The way he looked at her with genuine concern. The gentle tone of his voice. As she drifted off to sleep, Ryder occupied her thoughts.

Across the connecting door, Ryder lay in his own bed. His mind replayed the balcony moment. Anya's vulnerable expression. Her quite strength. With a sigh, Ryder closed his eyes.

The soft hum of the hotel's air conditioning lulled him into a restless sleep. Their rooms, though separate, felt connected. Two minds , linked by unspoken emotions.

As the night wore on, their dreams interwined.

Anya's dreams danced with vision of Sophia. Ryder's gentle smile.

Ryder's dream saw Anya's bright laughter. Her shining eyes.

Their sleep was filled with fragments of each other. Unaware, they shared a silent connection. A bond forged in the quiet hours of the night.

Next day,
Ryder's eyes scanned the meeting room, his confidence unwavering. Until he saw her. Victoria, his ex, sat beside their opponent, a smug smile on her face.

Ryder's expression tightened.
What was she doing here?
He refocused on the meeting, his tone crisp and professional.

Anya noticed Ryder's sudden tension. She glanced at Victoria, sensing a complicated history.

After meeting, Ryder's opponent extended a hand. "Congratulations, Ryder. You've met your match."

Ryder's gaze narrowed.

"Victoria, I hadn't expected you."

Victoria's eyes sparkled.
"Surprises are lovely, aren't they?"

Their opponent beamed.
"Allow me to introduce my fiancee, Victoria."

Ryder's jaw clenched.

Victoria's gaze roamed Ryder's face, admiring.

Ryder's eyes shifted to Anya.
"And this is Anya, my personal assistant," his hand slid onto the small of Anya's back, a subtle possessiveness.

Victoria's smile flatered. Anya felt a jolt at Ryder's touch. His behaviour was unexpected.

As they left the meeting room, Anya turned to Ryder." Everything okay? You seemed...off."

Ryder's expression smoothed.
"Just business tactics. Don't worry."

Anya's eyes searched his. " There's more to it, isn't there?"

Ryder's gaze locked onto hers. "For now, let's focus on the next move." The tension between them was palpable.