A Moment in Destiny

“Just now, you and Vincent both went in the direction of the bathroom together; did he punish you with his dominance again?” Renee was such a gossip, Leila felt annoyed and said to herself.

“What’re you shy for? This is normal, no? It’s not like you two are cheating. Besides, there are plenty of cheaters now that are open about it. Besides, look how cute you are. Even I want to kiss you!”

“I don't want to talk to you anymore; hurry and get to work. I don’t think I will make it tonight!”

“How come? Got a date with Vincent?”

“No!” She subconsciously denied, and looked for an excuse. “My period is here and too painful. I’ll go with you in a few days, alright?”

“A date’s a date, no need to deny it. Besides, it’s not like I’m someone unreasonable!”

“Uh! Sorry!”

“Whatever, go on your date!”

On the busy street, Vincent sat in his Bugatti and rubbed his eyebrows.

His car was parked on the street corner. He looked out at F City’s marvelous cityscape. The setting sun shone in his eyes, but didn’t provide a bit of warmth. It seemed like he was enjoying the landscape but also lost in thought. He was like an emotionless statue, just looking at his cellphone. After a short while, it rang.

“Vincent, when are you gonna do it?”

“I’ll play it by ear! Don’t worry about this anymore!” Vincent took a puff of his cigarette. “You take care now, see you around!”

“Wait, about you and Leila…” The other end of the phone was anxious to ask, but stopped short.

“She’s just a pawn, nothing more!” He said coldly. He felt aggravated, hung up the phone, and took another deep puff.

The phone suddenly rang again. Looking at the caller ID, Vincent tightened his eyebrows and picked up in an impatient manner. Before the other end had a chance to speak, he said coldly, “I told you, don’t ever call me again. Or else…”

“Vincent-” The other end was stunned by Vincent’s attitude and began to apologize. “I’m sorry, Vincent, I’ll never call you again! But I miss you a lot. I just got back from England and can’t stop thinking about you. Tonight, we-”

“Tonight, isn’t it better to get Zane to sleep with you?” Vincent snapped.

Upon hearing this, the other end gasped, “How did you know?”

“Don’t ever call me again, understand?”

“Vincent!” The voice on the other end began to stutter. “Vincent, I was wrong, I shouldn’t have done that! But I really love you-”

Vincent’s eyes narrowed, and he had on a devilish smirk, which made his expression look even colder. His tone was as cold as ice, “You’re smart, but too smart for your own good!”

After he said these, he hung up the phone and zoomed away in his car…

After work, Leila waited for a long time in the office. Renee and everyone else had already gone home, but there was still no sight of Vincent. She looked down at her phone, but there was no call. She packed her bag and left the office.

no sign of Vincent, not a call either.

said he would come pick her

The familiar voice of her father rang beside her ear, and she

How come

of some family business, he’ll be here

It was her first time meeting him here at city hall. Though they worked at the same place, but they never seemed to cross paths. They never talked much, so Leila kept

down, Brian asked, “Does Vincent treat

She uttered one word and nodded.

waiting

“Yes!”

you well?” Brian couldn't help but ask, trailing off as he

her head to see his sharp gaze, then suddenly drooped her head again and

he treats you well, then!” Brian’s tone

soft tone, all the while thinking about how he made her chicken soup while she was on her period, how he washed the bedsheets, and how he brought her

Brian repeated in a

neither!” Leila said softly, then quickly raised and then lowered her head again. “Dad,

we’re family; what’s

me to make Mr. White fall in love with me? You know that he and my sister were together!” This was the question she always pondered. Vincent told her that her father was merely using her. Though she didn’t say

the family’s namesake, but I don’t want my daughter to get a divorce. I hope you will find happiness, and the only way for you to do that is to make him fall in love with you. That way, you’ll

Leila looked up; this time, she did not shy away. There was a glitter in her eyes as

were filled with kindness. He patted her shoulder and said, “Every parent wishes their children will be successful and find happiness. I may be F City’s mayor, but I’m still a commoner

lips formed a huge smile. She grabbed

Your mom’s getting lonely!” Kindness radiated from his eyes as he looked

in my dissertation next week. After that, I’ll come

quite well. You’re one of the top 10 in the school graduating with

top students of the school, not the province!”

in the province too! Graduation’s coming up, remember to

“Yes!”

a half-panicked

everyone’s got family emergencies now and then. Everything taken

for your

yet. Do you want

by now.” Leila smiled politely at the driver, and escorted her father into

give him a call, it’s getting late, return home early!” Brian said.

“Got it!”

then she smiled from ear to ear. She felt quite happy to have such a concerning father. Even though the car was long gone, she still looked on

later and darker out, but still no sign of Vincent. Leila took out her phone and mulled over whether or not to call

rang for a while; finally, just as

in an irritated

“Didn’t you tell me to wait

few seconds, then Vincent chimed out, “I’ve said too much, I