-CH 4-

Amanda led Zach out of the hotel lobby and onto a crowded street full of stores selling different types of luxury goods ranging from fashion to jewelry to high tech gadgets. Though some of these storefronts were more familiar than others, most were not. He had hardly ever been to such a luxurious location before.

Zach followed close behind as they made their way through the crowds of people who walked in front and around them until they arrived at a parking lot containing high end luxury vehicles. There was even a limousine parked there that could easily hold over 15 people comfortably along with a personal driver.

Walking through the lot, Amanda made her stop at what looked to be an old model sedan that was very distinctively designed with a long body along with angular headlights and grill. Zach couldn't help but feel curious about why she picked this particular car given its age. It was like staring at a relic from the past. Something that you could find in a museum. Yet despite its looks, it also seemed oddly comfortable.

"Is this... your car?" Zach asked after taking in its appearance. The vehicle certainly seemed to have seen better days yet it still somehow managed to stand tall without so much as a hint of rust on it.

"Yes..." She replied with the nervous scratch of her cheek. "Well, it's my father's really."

The color scheme of the vehicle was white on white with just a single red strip running down the side of the car and a decal of the Fermoso brand attached below the window. Looking inside the car, he noticed how large the seats were. They appeared spacious enough to accommodate two people a seat while giving them ample room to move freely. There were even little cup holders built into each armrest for any drinks or snacks one may wish to bring along for the ride.

The interior itself wasn't anything special other than for its design. Certainly not something a girl from a wealthy family would ride in. In fact, it almost felt out of place for her to be sitting inside such a dated piece of machinery. Not that he cared though. It was far more than he could afford anyway. And besides, it was kind of cute seeing her small frame hop into such a giant of a vehicle.

Opening up the passenger door for him, She beckoned for Zach to enter the vehicle and get seated. Once both their doors were closed and the engine turned on, the vehicle let out a hefty hum before pulling out of the car park and making its way onto the busy streets.

Zach leaned back and relaxed as Amanda started driving towards their destination. After getting situated Amanda tuned into the radio station which played a jazzy tune that soothed his nerves as he was driven to his new home, throwing his old life behind him in exchange for a new chance to start over.

He didn't know what fate had in store for him in this world but all he knew was that he was once again, given a new chance, a second shot at success in his life. A chance that might never come around again should he fail this time like last time.

His thoughts continued to drift from his worries and doubts about himself as his face began to saunter. The soft swaying movement of the car and the rhythm of the music caused his face to show how deep in thought he was, which Amanda shortly noticed as she glanced over to see if he was feeling alright.

"Are you okay? You don't look so well. Do you need me to stop so you can stretch your legs?" She asked worriedly. She didn't want her companion falling ill on her watch, especially not after they had just formed a partnership.

Sensing her worry Zach declined her offer. "No, I'm fine." He answered. "It's nothing serious." He assured while rubbing the side of his head to try and ease some of the tension there.

She smiled slightly and turned up the volume on the radio. Not wanting to cause any discomfort, the pair drove off toward their destination as the mellow sounds filled the car.

"So..." Amanda began with an awkward laugh. "...I don't think that we properly introduced ourselves yet, did we? So... My name is Amanda Carter. And as you probably already know, I'm the heir apparent to the Fermoso lingerie company."

"Well my name is Zachary Parker," He replied without missing a beat. "But everyone just calls me Zach. It's a bit easier on your tongue than using my full name every time you speak to me." He said in explanation before looking back out through the window at the buildings whizzing by outside them.

"So what about yourself?" She inquired curiously before leaning back into the driver's seat. "How did you, Ya know? End up here today."

Zach had thought for a moment if what he had to tell her was worth mentioning. Who would want to hear his story full of pain and misery? But then again, maybe it was for the best to get everything off of his chest. It could even help him look toward the future rather than remain trapped in his past. Besides, she didn't seem like the type to judge or turn away from anyone.

He decided that this might be as good a chance as any so why not take advantage of it? "Alright so..." Zach began to tell Amanda all about how he lived, and how everything ended for him when things took a turn for the worst. He explained how he had lost his parents at an early age and his job due to "trouble" caused by his former boss. Everything that he was ashamed to have even thought even if they weren't really his fault. How he became homeless and desperate until fate led him to his current situation where he somehow found himself traveling alongside a kind woman who was willing to take him in despite the clear signs of trouble he presented.

By the end of the tale, Amanda felt tears welling up in her eyes. Her life seemed far different than Zach's yet still similar in many ways too. They were both alone with nowhere to go after losing their loved ones. In fact, some may say their lives couldn't have been more opposite to one another but their paths had crossed because their fates bound them together as siblings in grief.

"I'm sorry I can't do much for you right now, I'm just an inexperienced girl." She said apologetically as she wiped a tear off of her cheek. But.. I'm sure that things will get better. For the both of us."

Zach shook his head and smiled slightly. The girl's genuine care for his plight had reinvigorated his sense of duty. He was certainly no slouch in the workforce and if she needed his help, he would waste no time in providing it. "Don't apologize for anything. You're doing fine by me and you've already done enough. Now, It's time that I do what I can to return the favor. Just tell me what you need and I'll do my darnedest to make it so."