Chris is a wealthy, high-powered attorney who is a king amongst the ladies. Having known no struggle his entire life, he believes he's too good to associate with anyone who's not of the same class and social circle.
Well, fate takes a wrong turn for...
"I'll try. You've been walking with me on your back for an hour now. Surely, you are hurting."
"I'm not complaining." Chris smiled and tapped her leg which made Jacqueline feel a tingly sensation run down her spine.
"Guys, is that what I think it is?" Marley asked as he narrowed his eyes in a bid to see better.
"Oh my God, Marley it is! We found a lake!" Chris yelled joyfully. "Girls do you see that?"
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"Oh, thank goodness! I'm so happy. I'm almost dying of thirst." Jacqueline replied.
"Now I can clean your burns and find you some fruits to eat Kim. Hopefully you'll feel a little better."
"You're very sweet Marley. Thank you so much." She replied.
When the guys arrived at the lake, they gently set the girls down and they all reached out to have a drink.
When they were done, Kim drew some water from the lake and started cleaning her burns.
"Let me help you with that." Marley said as he brought more water and poured it on her legs.
"Man! I'm so hungry right now." Jacqueline said as she shook her head.
"I saw some fruits on our way here. I'll go get some for us." Chris said as he stood up.
"I'll come with you." Marley added. He gave Kim a peck on her cheek and left with Chris.
Shortly after, they returned with a bunch of fruits and they all ate till they were full.
Jacqueline decided to walk a bit in order to stretch her legs and Chris insisted on accompanying her in case she needed some help. After walking around for a while, they sat down at the other side of the lake.
"Jacqueline..." Chris called out to her in a low tone.
"Yes?"
"I know that what I'm about to say now won't change anything about how rude and insensitive I've been towards you these past few days, but from the bottom of my heart, I want to say that I'm deeply and truly sorry. Please find it in your heart to forgive me." Chris said as he hung his his head in shame.
"I forgive you." She replied without looking at him.
"Thank you. I also want to say that I'm really grateful to you for saving my life. Someone else in your shoes would have let fate take its course. But you... You set aside our differences and came to my rescue. You took a huge risk for me. I'm thankful." Chris said as he took her hand in his. "I want to promise you that whenever you need me, I'll be there for you. Be it here or back at home, you can call on me for anything at anytime." He concluded.
"Sounds to me like you're trying to repay a dept." She replied.
"I owe you everything Jacqueline. You put your life at a risk in order to save mine!"
"This is what good people do Chris. I didn't save you because I needed favours. I saved you because we are all in this together. What would be my gain to see you get killed? Nothing! Besides, everyone deserves a second chance to be a better person. I really hope this situation changes you for the better Chris." She said as she took her hand from his and shifted her gaze to the lake.
"Believe me when I say it has."
"Why did you hate me so much though?" She asked as she moved her gaze back to him.
"Pride I guess. Lord, I was so stupid! If I had died back then, it probably would have been worth it." He said as he shook his head in disappointment.
Jacqueline giggled and Chris rubbed his face with his hands and began laughing.
"Tell me, who do you miss the most?" Chris asked.
"My mom and my brother. Who do you miss the most?"
"I really miss my Parents. I also miss our lovely dog Flower. She's a 6 year old Golden Retriever." He smiled.
"Aw, that's really sweet. I'm sure they're all missing you too."
"I hope so." Chris chuckled.
"Can't wait for all this to end so we can see our loved ones again." She said feeling unhappy.
"Can't wait too." He replied, deep in thoughts.
"What were you going to do in Miami?" Jacqueline asked trying to change the sad mood.
"Marley and I were headed to a Family Lawyers Conference Meeting that takes place once every year."
"Oh. Sorry you weren't able to make it."
"Thank you for apologizing on behalf of fate." He smiled and Jacqueline chuckled. "How about you? Where were you headed?"
"Well as you already know, I'm an exotic dancer. Kim and I were supposed to board a cruise ship on Friday through Sunday in order to perform for the wedding guests on the bachelor's eve."
"Sounds like fun." He nodded.
"It is. I bet you're thinking about saying something nasty now to hurt my feelings." Jacqueline smirked.
"No, no Jacqueline, not at all. I truly apologize a million times for how rude I was to you. Please forgive me for everything. Please." He said as he put both of his hands together as if he was about to pray.
"It's okay. I was only teasing." She giggled.
"If you will, I'd like to get into your world and know a little more about you."
"What would you like to know?" Jacqueline asked.
"What was it like for you growing up?" He asked as his facial expression became serious.
"My story is a pathetic one. I don't think it's something you'd want to hear especially at a time like this."
"There's no time that wouldn't be perfect for me to sit down with a wonderful person like you and just talk. I wouldn't want you to feel sad by making you remember certain things you're trying to forget, but whatever you feel comfortable enough to share with me, I'll be more than happy to listen to you."
Jacqueline locked eyes with Chris, and at that moment, she knew there was a different side to him. The gentle and sincere side.
