The club erupted as Collins' threw the first punch. Miles maintained his composure, dodging Collins' sloppy strikes with practiced grace. "Stand down, Collins. I don't want to hurt you," Miles urged calmly. But the drunken man was beyond reason. Collins lunged at Miles again with a garbled yell. This time, Miles caught his wrist and used Collins' momentum to flip him over his shoulder onto a nearby table, which shattered under the weight."Enough!" Miles shouted over the din. He grasped Collins firmly but without injury as the man flailed on the floor. Rachel hurried over, eyes wide with worry. "Miles, are you alright? We have to get out of here before things escalate further!"Miles nodded, helping Collins to his unsteady feet. "Go, I'll handle this and meet you outside." Reluctantly, Rachel fled the chaos.Miles turned back to Collins, still holding him securely. "Calm yourself. The night is over - go home and sleep it off." Collins finally stilled, panting heavily. His eyes wer
"Rachel, wait," Miles halted her gently. "We shouldn't rush if we'll regret it later."Rachel backed off, frustrated. "I know you're right but I wish this was easier." She hugged him tight. Miles hugged back, conflicted. "Me too. But you should head in - goodnight, Rachel." He drove off before she could protest. Rachel sighed as she made her way inside the Autumn mansion. She wondered why Miles has yet to kiss her and if she was moving too fast. As soon as she enters the grand foyer she is met with her older brother Max, who had an evil grin on his face up to his ears. “Welcome my dear sister.” Max said with a level of sacasm as he had been watching the two of them outside. Max burst it into a laughter as a sign of mocking Racheal. Racheal was annoyed as Max was in his late 30s, and is the eldest both he behaves immature. As her brother Max laughed inside. "Looks like loverboy bailed on you!""Shut up, Max!" Rachel pushed past. "At least I've got someone, unlike you." Max followe
Miles remained calm. "I have no quarrel with you or your family, Collins. Let's have a civil discussion instead of threats.""Civil?" Collins sneered. "You think you can waltz in and steal whatever you want. Well not anymore!" He took a wild swing that Miles sidestepped easily. "Please leave in peace, Collins. I don't wish to harm you."But Collins was beyond reason. He charged at Miles again, who grasped his wrist and used the man's momentum to pin him against the doorframe. "Stand down," Miles warned lowly. "I won't ask again." Collins growled, struggling futilely. "You don't know who you're messing with, boy! My father will ruin you for this, just you wait!"Miles released him with a sigh. "Go home, Collins. Tell Ledger we'll speak tomorrow, when cooler heads prevail."The next day, Miles drove to the Webber estate, steeling himself. Ledger greeted him at the door with a sinister smirk. "So kind of you to accept my invitation," Ledger said silkily. "Come in, come in. We have mu
Miles drove off, his mind racing. He had to outsmart Ledger without starting a war. He pulled over and hit up Caleb. "Yo, any dirt on Ledger?""Nada yet," Caleb replied. "But I've got feelers out on the down-low, like you asked. What's the game plan?"Miles groaned. "Ledger's playing dirty, threatening my fam if I don't back off. Gotta play nice for now while we dig up the goods.""That snake!" Caleb spat. "Whatever you need, man - the Autumns got your back.""Thanks, bro. For now, just keep tabs on Ledger. I'm gonna pay him a little 'friendly visit' to keep him sweet."Next day, Miles rolled up to the Webber place, fake smile plastered on. "Yo Ledger, got a sec?"Ledger smirked, waving him in. "Come to kiss the ring, huh?""Chill, man," Miles said smoothly. "Just wanna sort this out without any drama, you feel me?"Ledger poured some fancy booze, taking a sip. "So you're ditching Rachel like I said?""Whoa, slow your roll," Miles countered. "I've got an idea that'll work for both of
"A mentor?" Rachel asked, leaning in. "What was he like?""He was strict but fair," Miles continued, choosing his words carefully. "Taught me everything I know about survival, strategy… even a bit of combat."Rachel’s eyes widened. "Combat? That’s intense."Miles shrugged, feigning nonchalance. "It’s come in handy more times than I can count."Rachel smiled, clearly impressed. "You’re full of surprises, Miles.""Speaking of surprises," Miles said, shifting the conversation, "I heard some things about Collins. He’s been acting erratically."Rachel sighed. "Yeah, he’s been on edge lately. I’m worried about him.""I just want you to be careful," Miles warned, his tone serious. "He’s unpredictable now."Rachel nodded, considering his words. "Thanks for looking out for me, Miles. And since we are being honest. Collins was actually my ex and technically we are still engaged. But ever since they lost they wealth. My grandpa called of the wedding. But I still feel bad everyone I see the shall
Collins laughed bitterly. "Consequences? My whole life has been nothing but consequences. Always living in my father's shadow, never good enough. And then you show up and make it all worse!""That's not true," Miles said, taking a cautious step forward. "Your father's been manipulating you, Collins. He's been using your anger to control you."Collins' hand wavered, uncertainty flashing across his face. "What are you talking about?"Before Miles could respond, the warehouse door opened again. Rachel walked in, her eyes widening at the scene before her. "Collins! What are you doing?" Miles was shocked, how did Racheal know to come to the warehouse she was in.Collins spun around, his gun now pointed at Rachel. "Stay back! This doesn't concern you!"Miles saw his opportunity and lunged forward, tackling Collins to the ground. The gun skittered across the floor as they grappled."Rachel, get out of here!" Miles shouted as he struggled with Collins.But Rachel didn't move. Instead, she pic
"No more, Dad," Collins grunted as he struggled with his father. "No more lies, no more manipulation."The police quickly subdued Ledger, cuffing him as he shouted threats and obscenities.As Ledger was led away, Collins slumped to the ground, the weight of everything crashing down on him. The cops soon come to take him as well.Rachel approached Miles, her expression a mix of emotions. "Miles... I don't know what to think anymore."Miles stood, facing her. "I understand if you can't forgive me, Rachel. I never meant to deceive you, but I know I hurt you. All I can say is that my feelings for you are real, and I'm sorry for not being honest from the start."Rachel was quiet for a moment, processing everything. Finally, she spoke. "I'm angry, and hurt. But... I understand why you did what you did. I just need time to think."Miles nodded. "Of course. Take all the time you need."As they walked out of the warehouse, the first light of dawn was breaking on the horizon. Miles took one las
Feeling a jab to his ego, Miles stood up tall. "Okay. I'll play along. However, don't expect me to enjoy this."Lola smiled and guided him to the counter, where the ingredients were already prepared. "We will begin with something basic," she stated, passing him an apron. "Wear this." Miles cautiously observed the apron as he took it. "Wow, I'm actually going through with this, huh?" "Yes, you are," Lola answered while putting on her apron. "Let us now prepare the scones." While mixing the ingredients, Lola stood nearby, directing Miles's hands. She said "You have to handle the dough gently," her fingers touching his. "If you use too much force, the texture will harden." "You mean like this?" Miles asked with a tone that was both playful and serious While kneading the dough."Perfect," Lola replied, her smile getting bigger. "See, you have a talent for this." Miles couldn't resist laughing. "A lowly baker. Who could have imagined that?" Lola came close to Miles, breathing near hi