No Choice

agers, and the elderly. He would have sent his assistant to pick up the bespoke suit he was having tailored, but his father insisted he stop in himself to try it on one final time before the

ir eyes burning into him, a mixture of awe and scrutiny that made his jaw tighten. His usual calculated smile didn't come as easily these days. Not since the m

rned the corner past a gurgling fountain and coll

oman who had dropped several shopping bags after their abrupt encounte

e," Philip said, catching a glimpse of wavy auburn hai

odding at Philip's face as she snatched her sketchbook back. She had an edge to he

they both stood back up. "Let me make it up to you. There's a c

e who he was behind the dark lenses. Her oversized sweater and paint

w..." she st

r back there." Philip gave her his most charming grin

ffee," she relen

is hand. "I'm Phi

ok it.

ide, no longer in a rush. As they glided upwards, Philip stole occasional glances at he

wn and then asking them out?" Amelia asked w

ually, this is a first for me. I don't us

eekends just like this, mingling with regular people, while Phi

" Amelia admitted, her tone softening. Was sh

he air. Philip insisted on paying before joining Amelia at a small table in the back corner

the future. Philip found himself confessing hopes and fears he rarely voiced to anyone, enthralled by h

glanced down at the stream of texts from his assistant ask

ime, I need to..." Philip beg

They walked towards the escalator, both slowing their

e with me...and the love

Philip etched every detail of

back. "Will I...see you here again?" He held h

on the bench by the fountain at noon next Saturday. I'l

ugh Philip's vei

t changed somehow, like a splash of color brightening up his monochromatic world.

ground level to pick up his suit, though his t

nor alterations, Philip's phone buzzed again. He thanked the woman absently, si

Philip's lips turned up involuntarily, st

how much you detest the mall," his driver Stan commented, raising

rience as I had anticipated," Philip muttered,

creet around his notorious playboy employer. But Philip's

pt in. He glanced at his reflection, fussing with his cufflinks. Was he really so enchanted after just one

nce encounter with a random girl in the

ing limo. He had business contracts to close and powerful figures to network with tonight

here cold ambition ruled, Philip couldn't deny a tiny flicker of so

at fragile flame would ign