Crossing The Devils Path

chap 49: Past Crashes Into Present

Richa's POV:

Once Ray cleared his desk and tidied up the cabin a bit, he gestured for us to leave. The restaurant was just a few minutes away, so we chose to walk. The cool breeze brushed my shoulders, like it was trying to calm my racing thoughts.

Sighing in defeat, I glanced at Ray walking silently beside me. He looked deep in thought too, so I decided to break the silence.

"Hey, what's up?" I asked, trying to sound cheerful.

He looked at me with an unreadable expression. "Nothing really. Just work, I guess."

"Anything I can help with?"

"Not really. It's just... this project with the Carlsons. It doesn't sit right with me, even though it's a big step forward," Ray said, worry flickering across his face.

"It'll be fine. We're in it together," I said, giving his arm a light squeeze.

The gesture made him smile, his shoulders relaxing slightly.

We finally reached the restaurant and chose a cozy table by the window with a nice view. As soon as we sat down, the waiter came to take our order-and to my surprise, Ray remembered all my favorites. He ordered them before I even opened my mouth.

This man is really sweet. And thoughtful too. And rich-but not in a snobbish, arrogant way.

Smiling up at him, I excused myself to use the washroom.

I was walking there absentmindedly when a hand suddenly yanked me to the side and covered my mouth. I almost screamed-until I saw those familiar green eyes. Richard.

I shoved his hands off me and glared at him.

"How dare you let another man woo you-when you were, and still are, Mrs. Carlson?" he said angrily.

His words hit hard, making my chest twist with emotions-part hurt, part hope.

I forced myself to stay calm. My parents' safety came first.

"Excuse me, Mr. Richard. What the hell are you talking about?"

"Come on, Reena. You think changing your name and hair would fool me? Richa, I know it's you. Why are you running from me?" Richard asked, his voice suddenly softer.

"Really? Then why didn't you look for me? It's been two years, Richard. Not one call. Not one message. You got busy building your empire, and only now you remember me?" I said, struggling to hold back tears.

Running a hand through his hair, he started to speak. "Richa, listen. It's not like-"

"Who the hell do you think you are?" came an angry voice behind us.

We both turned. Ray was standing there, seething. For a second, I didn't understand his rage-until I realized how it must have looked.

"It's not what you think, Ray. We were just talking," I said quickly, stepping between them.

Ray narrowed his eyes. "Oh, now I get it. You gold digger. It's barely been a week-you that you met him, and you're already letting him get into your pants? I can't believe I was actually taking you out on a date."

"Watch your mouth, Ray. The project papers haven't been signed yet," Richard warned with a grin.

Meanwhile, I just stood there-frozen, blank-between two furious men. I couldn't think straight. I walked away from them, went to our table, grabbed my bag, and stormed off into the street.

I could hear them chasing after me. Ray called my name.

How dare he? He called me a gold digger-and I was seriously thinking of giving him a chance? And Richard? He still had Maya.

What the hell is happening to my life?

I was crossing the road, lost in a fog of anger and confusion, when a loud honk snapped me out of it. I turned.

A blue car was speeding straight toward me.

Then-nothing.