Emmanuel

"So if we expand the border to the north and take the region of the south, we can secure the expansions for France in that region" the presenter discussed. My aides and representatives from different cities across France conversed amongst themselves in the intimate room. We were discussing expansion plans for some new project but of course my mind could not focus. All I could think about was Dani and our date tonight. I hoped she wasn't mad at me for how I behaved yesterday. Hopefully a date on the Rêvera would solve that.

My phone vibrated against my thigh. I pull it out my pocket then open the screen before smiling. It was a photo of Dani on the bridge where I told her we would meet.

The picture was abouslutely amazing. I smiled with pride as I saw her cute yellow dress and sexy brown skin. She was truly a vision of beauty. I quickly held down the photo to save it and keep it in my hidden collection.

"Mr Macaron? Do you agree" a voice calls. I lift my vision to the voice before looking around at 18 pairs of eyes on me.

"Ohh... sorry...I was looking at something" I grumbled, pushing my phone back into my pocket.

"Like I said, expanding to the ——." He continues on for another 40 minutes.

-4:35pm-

Great! I told Dani I would meet her at 5 for our date.

"Do you agree Mr. Macaron?" the guy announces, waiting for my vote of approval.

"Yes, yes" I say trying to end this meeting as quickly as possible so I could see Dani. I had surprised her with a private dinner on the river. I paid a few restaurants and closed off the back way so no one would see us.

The meeting finally ended and I stood, shaking the hands of each representative before quickly taking my leave.

"Mr. Macaron!" my assistant runs after me.

"Look Luis, whatever it is it can wait. I have an important meeting scheduled" I grumble, pushing through the crowds to make my way to the black SUV waiting just outside the palace.

"Mr. President it can't wait. We have a meeting with the President of Saudi Arabia. He came unexpectedly but he stresses he must see you today. It is very important" Luis explains.

"Tell him to rest at a luxurious hotel and I will see him tomorrow" I explain, eagerly hopping down the steps of the spiral staircase. I could see the black SUV in the distance which meant I would see my beautiful Dani soon.

"I can't Emmanuel!" He calls me by my casual name which meant he was serious. "He said today is the only day. I know it's last minute and you want to be anywhere but here, but he really wants to discuss an important relationship deal with you" he stresses. I glare at Luis and look down to my watch.

-4:50pm-

But my la vi en?
What would Dani think once I told her I had to reschedule our date? She would hate me forever.

"Mr President we need to go now!" Luis urges, leading me into a room across the palace entrance.
"Fine. Fine" I cursed, pulling out my phone to send a message to Dani but before I had a chance, the prime minister of Saudi Arabia smiles, pulling me into his embrace.

"Mr. Macaron! Finally we meet!" he chuckled, kissing each side of my cheek. A series of photographers instantly started snapping away, taking pictures of every second of our meeting. I couldn't even text Danni to tell her that I would be a little late....

——

Dani

"Aren't you going to ask me who I am?" The stranger brags, sipping his small cup of coffee. I roll my eyes and cross my arms. I was curious to know but I didn't want to seem to eager.

I couldn't lie and admit I was a bit scared. How did he know my special nickname for Emmanuel?

He looked down at the table as his phone vibrated. "Excuse me" he smiled before picking it up and standing to face the river. He was speaking in French so I didn't even attempt to understand.

The waiter comes and smiles, holding the bill in her hand. I look up at her and nodded. "That man over there said he would take care of it" I tell her, quickly grabbing the handle of my bag to leave.

No matter how curious I was to see what this boy had to say, I had to leave and meet Emmy. I really didn't trust him either way and refused to stay to find out.

Just as I turn the pebbled archways of the bustling streets I feel a hand around my waist.

"Hey!!" I screamed but before I had the chance to push the hand away, I feel a sharp knife against my skin.

"Don't say another word" the deep voice whispers against the cusp of my ear. I try to look to the man's face but was too frightened to peer over.

"Keep walking. Don't make a sound"

I nodded, clutching my bag tighter as we continued on. A few minutes pass as we continue down the pebbled roadways. "See that black car in the distance"

I nodded.

"Get in when the door opens" he says, pressing the knife against my back. I was silent, hastening my steps as we came near. Just before we neared the doors of the car, I hear a sharp crack and a thump.

The sharp edge of the knife was absent and so was the hard grasp of the unfamiliar man.

I wanted more than anything to look back and assess what had happened but my will didn't allow it. I only sprinted across the streets and ran, trying my best to find some short of shelter.