Chapter 1 A chance that felt like fate

Clara Cole believed that life could change in a single moment. Still, as she hurried down the crowded street clutching a folder of CVs against her chest, she felt anything but hopeful. Her rent was overdue. Her savings were gone. Her sister Elianna had already reminded her that morning of how much of a failure she was. And now she was running late for a job interview that could determine whether she slept in her apartment or on a friend’s couch next month.

The city was loud and unkind. Honking cars, impatient bus drivers, vendors yelling out prices, and pedestrians pushing past her without apology. It felt like the world was moving too fast while she was stuck fighting to keep up.

When she reached the pedestrian crossing, she exhaled shakily and wiped sweat from her forehead. She silently whispered a prayer for luck as the light turned green.

She stepped forward.

She did not see the speeding black car coming from the right. She only heard the angry screech of tires seconds before a strong arm wrapped around her waist and yanked her backwards just in time.

Her heart lurched violently. The folder almost slipped from her hands. Clara found herself pressed against a solid chest, breath stolen and knees weak.

“Are you alright” a deep voice asked.

Clara looked up into the most striking eyes she had ever seen. Dark and intense yet unexpectedly gentle. His face looked like it belonged on a billboard. Clean cut jaw. Perfectly styled dark hair. A crisp white shirt stretched across broad shoulders.

She blinked rapidly. “I… yes. I think so. Thank you. I was not watching.”

“You almost got hit,” he said, his brows furrowing with concern. “That driver is insane.”

Clara swallowed her embarrassment, trying to compose herself. “It has just been… a stressful morning.”

His lips curved slightly. “Clearly. I am Ethan Miller.”

The name rolled off his tongue like it carried weight. Clara did not know it yet but Ethan Miller was a billionaire businessman whose company made headlines almost weekly. To her, he was simply the man who saved her life.

“I am Clara Cole,” she replied softly.

“A beautiful name for a very brave woman,” he said, still holding her elbow to steady her.

Her cheeks warmed. Compliments usually made her shy especially when they came from a man who looked as if he stepped out from a fantasy.

Before she could thank him again, Ethan continued, “Please. Allow me to make sure you get where you are going safely. I do not want you risking another near death today.”

“You have already done enough for me,” Clara protested.

He shook his head. “Let me give you a ride. It will give me peace of mind.”

She hesitated. Her mother always told her not to trust strangers. But something about Ethan’s gaze made her trust him without question. It felt like fate had placed him right in front of her.

“Alright,” she murmured.

Ethan gestured to the parked black car with tinted windows. The driver instantly stepped out and opened the door for them. Clara’s eyes widened. Who exactly was this man

Once she settled into the leather seat, Ethan joined her.

“So where am I dropping you” he asked.

“Riverside Corporate Towers,” she answered nervously. “I have a job interview there.”

His expression softened. “What position”

“Administrative assistant,” she said, fiddling with the corner of her folder. “I just really need this job.”

“There is no job too small,” Ethan replied. “Every career begins somewhere. You will do well.”

Those words warmed her heart in a way she did not expect. For once, someone believed in her abilities.

They talked the entire ride. Ethan listened attentively, even laughing softly at her jittery jokes. He told her that power meant nothing if you could not use it to make others feel seen. Clara had never met someone so successful who spoke so humbly.

When the car arrived at Riverside Corporate Towers, Clara inhaled deeply. She had arrived looking far more impressive than she ever imagined. Maybe today was on her side after all.

Ethan turned to her. “I would like to see you again. If you do not mind.”

Her heart skipped. “I… I would like that too.”

He handed her a card. His personal number engraved in gold. His fingers brushed hers, and her breath caught.

“I will wait for your call,” he said warmly. “Good luck Clara.”

She stepped out of the car feeling lighter than air, her cheeks blushing and her pulse racing. She held the card like something precious.

Then everything crashed.

Clara froze the moment she stepped into the building lobby.

Her eyes locked on a familiar face.

Elianna Cole. Her older sister. Beautiful. Confident. Cruel smile painted in red. She crossed her arms and stood to her feet slowly.

“Well well well,” Elianna drawled, eyes narrowing. “You came to fight me for the same job too. How pathetic.”

Clara’s heart pounded painfully.

Elianna smirked and leaned close enough for her voice to sting like venom.

“This city will never have enough room for the both of us,” she whispered.

“May the best sister win.”