The driver grumbled under his breath but took the money, seemingly relieved to drop them off and make a quick U-turn. The traffic ahead looked terrible, and nobody knew how long they’d be stuck. Emily helped Bert out of the car and knocked on the trunk, signaling for the driver to open it so they could retrieve their luggage. However, instead of complying, the driver slammed on the gas and sped off, leaving them standing there in shock. Bert cursed loudly. “What kind of person does that? We paid him, and we even tried to be considerate about his time! This feels like robbery! All our stuff is in there!” Luckily, Emily had all the important items like passports and documents in her handbag, so they wouldn’t miss their flight. “It’s fine. Getting on the plane is more important right now. We didn’t have anything too valuable in the luggage. I’ll transfer some money to your account once you’re back home, and you can replace whatever you need,” Emily reassured him. Bert sighed, looking disappointed. “I bought new clothes for this trip, and I barely got to wear them...” “Forget about it…” Just then, a familiar voice called from behind them. “Miranda? Is that you?” Emily turned and saw an old acquaintance. “Morning, Derek.” “Miranda, I knew it was you!” Derek looked pleased to see her. “What are you doing here? Where’s your car?” Emily explained the situation briefly, outlining the driver’s rude behavior. Derek shook his head in disbelief. “So, once again, you’ve been stranded here?” “This time, yes,” Emily smiled. “Last time wasn’t so bad. I sent my assistant ahead.” Derek raised his hands in mock surrender. “Miranda, I’ve run into you twice in a week, both times in the same spot and under the same circumstances. If that’s not fate, I don’t know what is. Are you leaving Rome?” “Yes,” Emily nodded. “I’m heading to the UK for work.” “Will you be back?” “Probably not,” Emily replied with a soft smile. “So, I won’t bother reporting this incident. No need to complicate things for you.”Derek, however, looked less than thrilled. “No, Miranda, this is fate. I’m sure we’ll cross paths again someday. Rome is a city full of love, and I’ll be waiting here for you.” Emily chuckled. “Well, I’d rather not meet you under these circumstances again. It would mean I’ve been abandoned in the middle of nowhere—again.” Derek laughed heartily. “Fair point, but remember what I said. Two people blessed by fate will meet again, no matter the distance or time.” “Is that so?” “Yes, I believe it. No matter how life begins, those destined to be together will always find and love each other.” Love? To Emily, love was nothing but a luxury, or perhaps even garbage. It was too expensive and utterly useless. She could do without it. “Sorry, Derek, I’m running late. I need to go,” Emily said, trying to excuse herself. “With this traffic, you’re not going anywhere on foot. Hop in, I’ll take you to the airport in the patrol car again.” Thanks to Derek’s help, they made it to the airport just in time for their flight. Emily arranged a fast track for Bert, intending to get him to his gate first. Derek glanced at her boarding pass and decisively said, “I’ll take your uncle to his gate. Your flight is about to board as well. You head to your gate; I’ll make sure he gets on his plane safely.” Still a bit worried, Emily hesitated, but Derek moved faster. Grabbing Bert by the arm, he began guiding him toward the gate, speaking in his awkward English, “Come, come, follow me…” Derek’s strength left Bert no choice but to keep moving, though he kept glancing back at Emily. Emily started to follow, but soon realized she couldn’t keep up with Derek’s long strides. She stopped and waved, signaling to Bert that it was okay to go with Derek. “Miss, do you need assistance?” An airport staff member approached Emily. Emily politely declined and hurried toward her gate, managing to clear security just two minutes before the boarding gate closed. As she sat down on the plane, her phone rang. It was an unfamiliar number, but she answered it anyway.“Emily, I’m on the plane!” Bert’s voice came through the line. “I ran into some people from our tour group. I borrowed a phone to call and let you know I’m okay.” Relieved, Emily smiled. “I’m glad to hear it. Take care of yourself, and don’t forget to message me when you land.” “Of course. You take care in the UK and do well at work!” With the flight attendant reminding passengers to turn off their phones, Emily said her goodbyes and powered off her phone. As she slipped her phone into her handbag, a wave of emotion hit her, and her nose tingled with the urge to cry. The UK… By choosing Stardream Group, she had committed herself to spending the next few years in a foreign land. The new year was approaching, yet instead of celebrating with family, she was headed to her new job. In the past, her uncle and father had always had each other. But now, with her father gone, Bert would be all alone this year. The more she thought about it, the more she felt she had failed them. Her uncle had taken care of her all their lives, but now that he is older, she was leaving him behind. She hadn’t even been there to say a proper goodbye to her uncle. Two hours later, the plane touched down at Heathrow Airport in London. With no luggage to claim, Emily breezed through the airport and headed straight to the Stardream Group office. At the reception desk, she introduced herself. “Hello, I’m Miranda Carter. I have an appointment today.” The receptionist smiled warmly. “Yes, I’ve been expecting you. The boss personally mentioned you’d be arriving. He’s in his office, waiting for you. Please follow me.” “Thank you.” Emily followed the receptionist up to the 22nd floor. The elevator doors opened to reveal a spacious office area, divided by sleek blinds. The door in front of her bore a plaque that read, “CEO’s Office.” The receptionist knocked and called inside, “Miss Carter is here.”“Great, send her in!” came the enthusiastic reply.