CHAPTER 1 THE ENCOUNTER

The city was alive and pulsing with energy, the neon lights of the skyscrapers reflecting off the wet pavement like a canvas of broken dreams. It was a place where the lines between right and wrong were blurred, where the powerful preyed on the weak, and secrets and lies thrived. Amidst this darkness, a young woman named Ava was about to embark on a journey that would change her life forever.

Ava, a determined and fearless journalist, had built a reputation for exposing the city's deepest secrets. Her sharp instincts and quick wit had earned her a respected place among her peers, and her stories had sparked meaningful change in the community. But despite her tough exterior, Ava had a soft spot for those in need. She was driven by a desire to uncover the truth and bring justice to those who had been wronged.

One night, while investigating a lead, Ava stumbled upon a mysterious stranger. He was tall, with piercing blue eyes and chiseled features that seemed to hide a thousand secrets. His dark hair was messy and unkempt, and his sharp jawline was accentuated by a scruff of stubble. He looked like he had just stepped out of a nightmare, and yet, there was something about him that drew Ava in.

"Who are you?" Ava demanded, trying to keep her voice steady. She had been in tough situations before, but there was something about this stranger that made her feel uneasy.

The stranger smiled, his eyes glinting in the dim light. "My name is Liam," he said, his voice low and husky. "And you are...?"

Ava hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. But there was something about Liam that put her at ease. Maybe it was the way he looked at her, like he could see right through her. Or maybe it was the way he smiled, like he was sharing a secret only she could understand.

"I'm Ava," she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper.

Liam's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing. "Ava," he repeated, his voice dripping with intensity. "I've heard a lot about you."

Ava's heart skipped a beat. What did Liam mean? And how did he know her name? She felt a shiver run down her spine as Liam's eyes seemed to bore into her soul.

"What do you want?" Ava asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

Liam chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I think we could help each other, Ava," he said, his voice low and persuasive. "I have information that could blow the lid off this city's corruption. And I think you're the only one who can help me."

Ava's instincts were screaming at her to run, to get as far away from Liam as possible. But her curiosity was getting the better of her. She wanted to know more.

"What kind of information?" Ava asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Liam's smile grew wider, his eyes glinting with excitement. "Let's just say that I have proof of some very dirty dealings," he said, his voice dripping with menace. "And I'm willing to share it with you...if you're willing to take a risk."

Ava felt her heart racing, her mind spinning with possibilities. She knew that she was taking a risk by trusting Liam, but she couldn't shake the feeling that he was telling the truth.

"Okay," Ava said finally, her voice firm. "I'll take the risk."

Liam's eyes flashed with triumph, and he reached out to take Ava's hand. "Welcome to the dark side, Ava," he whispered, his voice sending shivers down her spine.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***