
240 readers · 8 chapters · 2 free
It took me a while to renew the monthly pass for the last shared bike, then I turned to look at Violet. She was squatting by the roadside, blowing on a five-dollar street pancake wrapped in recycled paper. My heart ached for her. I thought about my Lamborghini gathering dust in the underground garage. I really should take it out and give her a ride. Violet looked up at me, her eyes as clear as if they'd never been touched by money. "Alex, when I get rich, I'll treat you to a pancake with sausage." I took a deep breath, about to say, "Actually, I'm the heir to a trillion-dollar conglomerate," when my dad's call came through. "Get your ass back here for a blind date. The girl's the heiress of Lane Enterprises. If you don't show up, I'll donate all your damn sports cars." When I pushed open the door to the private room at the five-star hotel, I was still clutching my bike-share helmet. And there she was. A woman in a designer gown, decked out in diamonds, elegantly slicing into top-grade wagyu beef. That face was unmistakably Violet. The very same girl who, just moments ago, was splitting a street pancake with me. Her golden fork slipped from her hand and hit the plate. "Alex, care to explain that cabinet full of instant noodles you've got stashed away?"