Love by Accident

Alex stared at Angelina and couldn’t believe his eyes—she was as stunning as ever, unchanged after the past seven years.

For the first time in years, he attended the class reunion and didn’t regret it one bit, because he had run into his first love.

— Alex, darling! It’s been ages since we last saw each other, — she cooed, pressing her cheek to his in a warm embrace, enveloping him in a cloud of her expensive perfume.

— Hello, Angelina, you look amazing, — he said, feeling old emotions stirring in his heart. — How’s life? Married?

— Oh, please! As if I’d waste my time on that. No, my dear, I haven’t found a man who could tame me yet. And you? Probably married with a bunch of kids?

— Sadly, no. Work takes up all my time.

— Really? What do you do?

— You’ll laugh, but I’m a baker.

— That’s funny! — Angelina gave a strained smile, hugged him goodbye, and moved on to chat with other classmates.

Alex watched her go as Nick Snow clapped him on the shoulder: — What? Old flames die hard, huh? — Oh, whatever, — Alex waved him off, — same as always. Nothing’s changed.

— By the way, did you know she lived in America for a couple of years? Had some online boyfriend she ran off to. Guess he got tired of her, sent her packing. Ellen Simmons told me—she knows everyone’s business. Crazy, right? Angelina didn’t approach Alex again that evening, and he left early, staying only for the group photo.

Alex didn’t know that at that moment, Angelina was talking to the all-knowing Ellen: — So, what do you think of our class? — Ellen asked.

— Ugh, everyone’s so dull. No one interesting to talk to. Engineers, teachers, drivers, bakers… so boring.

— Bakers? You mean Alex Ackerman?

— Yeah. When he told me, I nearly fell over. Can you imagine me as a baker’s wife? — Angelina laughed.

— Oh, you don’t know? The ‘Ackerman’s Bakes’ chain is famous across the state. They’ve got their own bakeries, fresh, delicious stuff—people snap it up hot.

— Wait, you’re telling me this is common knowledge? Even I know that, and I don’t eat bread… Hold on, — Angelina straightened up. — Ackerman’s? Alex Ackerman? That guy who was just here? — Yeah, you’re clueless! He owns the chain. Clients chase him down—schools, daycares, even government offices. Keeps prices fair and rakes in profits. Living the good life! And you’re like, ugh, a baker!

— Alright, thanks, friend. I’m gonna find him! Angelina searched the venue, but Alex was gone. Frustrated, she left without saying goodbye, cursing her shortsightedness.

The next day, Alex saw a call from an unknown number and was surprised to hear Angelina’s soft voice: — Alex, darling, where did you disappear to yesterday? I was looking for you…

— Angelina? What a pleasant surprise. Why’d you need me?

— Come on! It’s been so long. How about we meet up tonight, have dinner somewhere?

— Sure, pick a time and place. — Angelina quickly chose the city’s most expensive restaurant.

— Perfect, — Alex agreed. — Where should I pick you up?

Their relationship moved fast. Before Alex knew it, Angelina had moved into his place, showering him with affection. He was over the moon, happily spoiling her with lavish gifts. She melted in his arms, rewarding his attention.

Six months later, Alex proposed, and Angelina eagerly accepted. But a few days later, Mauricio, her former lover, called, saying he was coming to New York and wanted to see her.

— Are you crazy? — Angelina exclaimed. — I’m getting married!

— Married? No way! I love you! You’re mine!

Angelina smirked. Now she had two successful, wealthy men. She decided to milk Alex for all she could before Mauricio arrived, then ditch him with some excuse.

A week later, after meeting Mauricio twice at a hotel, Angelina started a conversation with Alex: — Darling, I want kids, and I want them soon.

— Well, as fast as you want might not happen, — Alex smiled.

— What? You don’t want me to have kids? So that’s how it is? Fine! I thought you loved me. I’m done with you! — She grabbed her purse and stormed out, ignoring Alex’s attempts to stop her, stunned by her outburst.

She spent the night with Mauricio, and the next morning, while Alex was at work, she took all her things and gifts from his apartment, leaving a note telling him not to look for her.

That day, everything went wrong for Alex. He couldn’t understand what happened, tried calling her, and accidentally crushed his phone under his car. By evening, he got a new phone and SIM card, immediately dialing Angelina’s number.

Meanwhile, across town, a quiet girl named Daisy was crying bitterly. Four years ago, she graduated high school and moved to the city for college but fell short of the score needed for a scholarship and couldn’t afford tuition. Her mother was a cook at a rural diner, her father a farmer and mechanic, and two younger siblings still lived at home. They couldn’t help her.

Daisy decided to save up herself. If she didn’t get in next year, she’d pay for college. She found a job listing for a maid in a private home and applied. She aced the interview with the lady of the house, was thrilled to get a room, and started work eagerly, despite a two-week trial period. Daisy did well but was exhausted by bedtime.

When the long-absent husband of the house returned, Daisy’s life became hell. Albert Valentine wouldn’t leave her alone.

— Oh, what a gem we’ve got here. Daisy, sweetheart, you’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen, and trust me, this old charmer’s seen a lot. Come on, don’t be shy, come here!

— How dare you! I’ll tell your wife!

— Try it, and you’re out. Who’s she gonna believe? You or me? For two weeks, Daisy dodged him, crying at night over bruises from his pinches.

She tried talking to the wife, but Albert walked in, whisked her away, and that evening, as Daisy made their bed, he snuck up and pushed her onto it.

— You little brat, — he growled, pinning her down, — you’ll pay for your defiance. Right now, while my wife’s out! Scream all you want, I like taming the wild ones.

In their struggle, they didn’t hear the door open. The wife appeared: — What’s this? — she shouted. — You little tramp!

— He started it! I tried to tell you! He’s always harassing me! — Daisy clutched her torn blouse, fixing her hair.

— Lucy, you believe her? She’ll do anything for money—poor trash like her. She’s been teasing me nonstop, — Albert lounged on the bed, already sure he’d won by the look in his wife’s eyes.

She was nearly ten years older, and he manipulated her wealth. — Here’s the deal, — Lucy glared at Daisy. — You’ve got five minutes to get out. No pay. Leave, or I’ll call the cops and say you stole from us.

Sobbing, Daisy fled. Lucy turned to Albert: — Now we talk… — But he pulled her close with a strong arm, threw her onto the bed, and she forgave him again.

Daisy wandered the city at night, crying, with no home or money. Exhausted, she didn’t know where she was going. The city buzzed around her, but she felt invisible, wondering why life was so unfair. A bridge over the river was nearby, and Daisy headed there, no longer wanting to survive in this cruel world. As she reached the railing, her old phone rang.

She answered through tears: — Hello… — Hi, my love, my darling, I miss you so much, — came a voice. — Don’t cry, I can hear you’re crying. I love you so much! I want you to have my son or daughter… Can you hear me? Where are you? I’m coming!

Daisy, hearing the unfamiliar voice and tender words, broke down completely. — On the bridge… — she sobbed. Silence followed. Alex, calling Angelina, had misdialed by one digit, reaching Daisy by mistake.

— Wait, who are you? Where’s Angelina?

— I’m Daisy. There’s no Angelina here. You’ve got the wrong number. Goodbye.

— Hold on, Daisy, wait. Why are you crying? Did something happen? Can I help? Daisy, hello! — The line went dead.

Alex sensed something was wrong and raced to his car. Ten minutes later, he was at the bridge, spotting a hunched figure sitting on the ground, leaning against the railing, arms around her knees.

— Daisy, — Alex called. She looked up with such a heartbroken gaze that he didn’t ask questions. He helped her up, took her to his place, fed her, and tucked her in with a soft blanket.

Now he knew her story and marveled that he’d called her at the exact moment she was on the edge, practically saving her. Alex glanced at Daisy’s now-peaceful face and remembered he hadn’t reached Angelina. He picked up his phone, turned it over in his hands, then tossed it on the nightstand without calling.

Two weeks passed. Daisy stayed with Alex, cooking delicious breakfasts and dinners in gratitude, keeping his apartment spotless. When he opened his closet to find perfectly ironed shirts and pants, his stunned expression made her laugh.

She kept looking for a new job, talking about it constantly. One day, Alex realized he didn’t want her to leave. But he had Angelina and couldn’t betray her, so he called her, only to freeze at the sound of kisses and her cheerful laughter: — Hello! Mauricio, wait, I’m on the phone! Hello, I’m listening!

— And I’m listening, — Alex said coldly. — Alex… — Angelina faltered.

— What’s with the new number? Why aren’t you calling from yours? Alex, let’s meet, I’ll explain everything. — A man’s voice grumbled in the background.

— No need to explain, Angelina. I get it. — He hung up, bought a beautiful bouquet and a ring, and hurried home to Daisy.

He knew now he wouldn’t let this wonderful girl slip away, whom he’d unknowingly come to love. Five years later, Alex and Daisy were married, raising their little son, Aiden. One day, strolling through a mall, laughing and watching Aiden’s antics, Alex felt someone’s gaze. He turned to see a janitor leaning on a mop, staring at them. It was Angelina. She nodded, but he didn’t acknowledge her, hurrying after his wife and son, unwilling to leave them even for a moment.