Owned by a man I couldn't trust

Rainee was walking briskly down the bustling street alongside her 16 year old brother, Sam. He was practically jogging ahead, turning every few seconds to grumble at her.

"Can't you walk any faster? We're going to be late! I don't want to miss this, Rainee!" he whined, his face scrunched in a mix of frustration and urgency.

Rainee chuckled softly at his youthful impatience. She understood his excitement it wasn't every day that something he had dreamed of for years was finally within reach.

"Sam, relax. I told you, we have plenty of time," she replied with an amused smile. "And taking a taxi isn't necessary. We'll get there on time."

She said looking like a vision of ethereal beauty, her long, flowing hair cascading down her back like a silken waterfall. Her skin was luminous, a rare radiance that seemed almost otherworldly, as if she had stepped out of a fairytale. It held the delicate glow of fresh snow under moonlight, pure and untouched. Her eyes, large and doe-like, exuded a softness that hinted at kindness and compassion, as though they could see straight into the soul of anyone who dared to meet her gaze.

Yet, there was an air about her that set her apart, a quiet mystery that made people hesitate before approaching.

Perhaps it was the way she carried herself, with poise and an almost regal grace, or the faint shadow of melancholy that lingered behind her gentle smile. It wasn't arrogance, but rather an unspoken barrier, as though she belonged to a world just beyond reach. To know her was to be drawn in by her warmth, yet one couldn't ignore the feeling that she was holding something back, a part of herself kept hidden, locked away from prying eyes.

"But what if we don't?" Sam protested, his voice tinged with panic. "This watch is a limited edition, and it'll sell out in hours! I've waited two years for this. You don't understand how important it is!"

Rainee let him vent, used to his dramatics by now. His enthusiasm didn't bother her it was endearing in its way.

Sam had been saving for this watch for two whole years, pouring his allowance and any odd jobs he could find into his goal. When he'd asked for her permission to buy it on his birthday three days ago, she couldn't say no.

Still, she'd insisted on paying for it as a birthday gift. Sam deserved it, after all the effort he'd put in. Even though their family came from modest means, Rainee had decided to make this one splurge for him. She knew how much the watch meant to him, and she would do anything to make him happy.

"See? We've still got an hour left before the ceremony," she assured him, quickening her pace to match his. Taxis were an unnecessary expense for someone like her, a middle class woman juggling the responsibilities of her family. Every penny counted, but for Sam, this one expense was worth it.

Rainee worked tirelessly as an assistant to a designer at a prestigious company.

Despite her extensive knowledge and undeniable talent, she remained stuck in a junior position while others soared ahead, thanks to connections she didn't have. She didn't mind too much, she was determined to carve her own path, even if it meant enduring the condescension of colleagues who often looked down on her. Ironically, those same people always came running to her for help when they were in a bind.

As they entered the grand mall, Sam's nervous energy finally began to calm. He exhaled in relief when he saw that the showroom hadn't opened yet.

The fifth floor of the mall was entirely dedicated to RW Watches, and it was clear the brand had spared no expense for the launch. The showroom looked more like a high-end art gallery than a store. Elegant black curtains covered the display cases, adding to the anticipation.

Sam couldn't help but marvel at the setup. He leaned closer to Rainee and whispered, "I'm going to the washroom real quick. I might take a little time, so just wait here, okay?"

Rainee smirked, rolling her eyes as she gave him a thumbs-up. "Go ahead. I'll be here."

Sam dashed off, leaving Rainee standing alone. She shook her head, amused at his eagerness. He had been so excited this morning that he'd barely stopped to eat or even focus on anything else.

As she waited, her gaze wandered across the floor. The glitz and glamor of the mall seemed worlds apart from her own reality. But she wasn't intimidated by it. She was here for her brother, and that was all that mattered.

________

Alex entered the pristine washroom, his bodyguards standing guard outside to ensure no one else could enter. The guards scanned the space quickly but failed to notice that someone was already inside.

Alex approached the marble sink, running the water and meticulously washing his hands. He leaned forward to inspect his reflection, adjusting his tie and smoothing his hair. Everything had to be perfect after all, he was about to face the public, the media, and his rivals. He didn't tolerate imperfection.

As he reached for a tissue, he heard the unmistakable sound of a toilet flushing. His brows furrowed, and his eyes flicked toward the stall door visible in the mirror. A moment later, a young boy emerged, looking a bit flustered. The boy walked up to the sink beside Alex, washed his hands, and seemed to notice nothing out of the ordinary.

Sam was a boy caught between childhood and adulthood, standing at sixteen with a heart too big for his own good. He had the same radiant features as his sister, Rainee, but with a youthful charm that made him seem more approachable. His brown eyes were wide and expressive, betraying every emotion he tried to hide. There was a softness to him, a vulnerability that made people instinctively want to protect him, though it often made him an easy target for teasing.

Stubborn to a fault, Sam had a way of digging in his heels, especially when he thought he was doing the right thing.

Yet beneath his immaturity lay a deep well of kindness and an emotional sensitivity that made him attuned to the feelings of those around him. He adored Rainee with a devotion that was almost overwhelming, always putting her happiness above his own. Even when life weighed heavily on him, Sam would plaster on a smile, masking his pain so she wouldn't have to carry his burdens.

Though he could be a bit impulsive, quick to act on his emotions, his heart was always in the right place. Sam's world revolved around love, his love for his sister, for the people he cared about, and his desire to make their lives just a little brighter, even if it meant dimming his own light.

Alex, as always, ignored the presence of others. He resumed checking his reflection, his focus solely on himself.

Sam, on the other hand, was in his own world until his eyes landed on Alex's wrist. His movements froze, his gaze locked onto the sleek, dazzling watch.

He gasped audibly, unable to contain his shock. Without thinking, he grabbed Alex's wrist in excitement.

"No way! How do you have this?!"

Sam's voice was filled with wonder as he stared at the watch. He knew RW watches better than anyone this design was completely new, unlike anything he had seen before. It had to be part of the limited edition being launched today. His heart raced with excitement.

Alex, however, was anything but amused. The idea that someone a stranger, no less had the audacity to touch him sent a wave of cold anger through his veins. He gritted his teeth, his voice dangerously low.

"Get off."

Sam didn't seem to hear him, lost in his admiration. "Huh?" he asked, looking up at Alex with bright, curious eyes.

Alex snapped. "I said, GET YOUR DIRTY HANDS OFF ME!"

To be continued