Crash into love

Anya's Past- life

He rushed to her side. He gently placed a hand on her shoulder, trying not to startle her. " Anya?" He whispered, his voice soft and soothing.

Anya stirred, slowly lifting her head. Her eyes were puffy and rimmed, her face streaked with tears. Ryder's gut twisted with empathy.

" Hey," he said, his voice gentle. " I've been looking all over for you. Why didn't you answer your phone?"

Anya sniffled, wiping her nose with a crumpled tissue. " I switched it off," she mumbled, her voice barely audible.

Ryder nodded, understanding. He signaled the barista for a cup of coffee and sat down beside Anya. " Here, drink this," he said, handing her the steaming cup. "You're freezing."

Anya took a sip, her eyes welling up with tears again. Ryder wrapped his arms around her, holding her close as she cried. The cafe's patrons cast curious glances their way, but Ryder ignored them, focusing solely on comforting Anya.

Anya's tears soaked through Ryder's shirt, but he didn't care. He held her tighter, whispering soothing words into her ear " Shh, it's okay. I'm here. You're safe."

The barista, a kind-eyed woman with a warm smile, approached their table. " Can I get you two anything else?" She asked, her voice soft. Ryder glanced up, nodding. "Just a box of tissues, please."

The barista nodded and hurried off, returning with a box of tissues and a warm smile. "On the house," she said, patting Anya's shoulder.

Anya sniffled, taking a tissue from the box. She blew her nose, her eyes still red-rimmed from crying. Ryder handed her another tissue, his eyes locked on hers. "I'm so sorry, Anya," he said, his voice filled with emotion. " I should have protected you better."

Anya shook her head, her voice barely above a whisper. " It's not your fault, Ryder. I just... I don't know how to deal with people like Victoria."

Ryder's expression turned grim. " You don't have to deal with her, Anya. I'll take care of it."

As they sat there, surrounded by the quiet hum of the cafe, Ryder felt a deep connection to Anya. He knew he had to protect her, not just from Victoria, but from the world.

Anya eyes welled up again, but she fought to compose herself. Ryder's presence was a comforting anchor, holding her steady in the midst of turmoil.

After a few moments of silence, Ryder asked, "Anya, can I ask you something?" Anya nodded, her throat still heavy with emotion.

"Do you have any family or friends?"  Ryder asked, his eyes filled with genuine concern. Anya's gaze dropped, her voice barely above a whisper. " I don't have any friends. No one wanted to be friends with someone like me."

Ryder's expression turned curious. " What do you mean by someone like you?"

Anya's throat constricted, making it hard to speak. "Someone who has to work hard to pay their finances, to earn their bread... Someone who has no one to look after them, to call them their own, to care for them or love them."

Ryder's eyes filled with empathy, urging her to continue.

Anya took a deep breath before speaking. " My parents died in a car accident when I was twelve. After that, I was sent to an orphanage. I got custody of our belongings - our house and other things - after turning eighteen, but I never went back there. It would have reminded me of how alone I became after their demise."

Anya's voice cracked, and Ryder's grip tightened.

"No one stood by me," she whispered. "I used to think it was a heart wrenching nightmare, but no, it was my reality. Once the Princess of my parents'world, I became the helpless Cinderella."

Ryder remained silent, listening intently to Anya's poignant tale. His eyes never left hers, filled with compassion and understanding.

As Anya finished speaking, Ryder pulled her into a gentle hug. "You're not alone anymore, Anya," he whispered. " I'm here for you. I'll always be here for you."

Anya's tears fell anew, but this time, they were mixed with a sense of hope and belonging. She felt seen, heard, and understood by Ryder, and that realisation was both exhilarating and terrifying.

Ryder smiled mischievously as he helped Anya up from the cafe chair. " Come on, I want to take you somewhere."

Anya's curiosity was piqued. " Where are we going?" She asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Ryder chuckled. "It's a surprise. You'll just have to trust me."
Anya's face lit up with a radiant smile. "I trust you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.