Chapter 14 - The Drive-Thru Encounter
Marcus's criminal trial for assault was brief and humiliating.
Given his complete lack of a prior record, he avoided actual jail time.
However, he was given two years of strict probation and mandatory anger management classes.
Finding a job with a recent assault conviction proved to be incredibly difficult.
His fake "CEO" resume was completely useless in the real world.
He finally secured a job working night shifts at a fast-food drive-thru.
One rainy evening, a sleek Mercedes pulled up to the drive-thru window.
Marcus opened the window, wearing a greasy paper hat and a stained uniform.
"That will be fifteen dollars and fifty cents," Marcus mumbled, not looking up.
A manicured hand reached out, holding a crisp twenty-dollar bill.
Marcus looked up and felt the air leave his lungs entirely.
It was Elena, looking absolutely radiant in the driver's seat.
She recognized him instantly, but her expression didn't change at all.
She looked at him the way one looks at a stranger.
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"Keep the change," she said calmly, taking her food bag.
She rolled up the window and drove away without a second glance.
