129 HOW LUCKY ARIEL’S POV FIVE YEARS AGO Arriving in Canada felt like a new beginning for me. It was a chance to leave behind all the drama and pain that Luke had brought into my life. I was determined to start afresh and not let the thoughts of my ex–husband consume me. After all, we are officially divorced now. Canada was my opportunity to create a new life, one that was free from the hurt and turmoil of my past. I was ready to embrace this new country and all the possibilities it held for me. Those moments were really tough, and I could recall everything he did to me. The hurt and pain he caused me were almost unbearable. I knew I couldn’t just forget about it all, but I also knew that starting a new chapter in my life and leaving him behind was the best thing for me. It wasn’t easy, and there were moments where the memories would flood back and the hurt would resurface, but I was determined to move on and create a better future for myself. My top priority was letting go of the past and focusing on my well–being and leaving him behind and starting a new, happier chapter in my life. Carrying my heavy luggage, I wandered the unfamiliar and bustling streets, feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. I had arrived in this new country with no plans or accommodations, and now I was struggling to find a place to stay. I approached a tourist information booth, hoping for some guidance, but was met with unhelpful responses. As I continued my search, I couldn’t help but feel lost and alone in this foreign land. The weight of my luggage only added to my discomfort, and I longed for a sense of familiarity and security. “Okay, I shouldn’t just give up yet. I mean, it isn’t that bad,” I said to myself, taking a deep breath. “I really need to find a place to stay. Maybe a hotel or a hostel. I’m pretty sure I can do this.” Going further, I had to realize that I had tread on a quiet street. I frantically scanned my surroundings, searching for any indication of where to go next. It was just great that I was now lost and confused. But before I could make any progress, my heart sank as I saw a group of menacing figures emerge from the shadows. They were rough and intimidating, and I knew I was in trouble. The thing right now was coming up with a plan to get the hell out of here, but it was too late. They were already closing in on me, and I could feel the fear creeping in. I was expecting something else. “Hand over your money and belongings, pretty lady,” one of the thugs commanded me. “No, please. I don’t have any money,” I panicked. Another seized my arm. “Liar! We saw you walking out of the airport with your Juggage. Now give it to us!” “No, please let go!” I pleaded with him, struggling to get my arm off his hand, but his grip was too tight. Before I knew it, I was struck from behind, putting an end to my struggle. This group of thugs started to hit and kick me mercilessly. I could feel my bones breaking and my body going numb with pain. I cried out for help, but no one came. As I lay there defenseless, the thugs ransacked my pockets and took everything I had, including my phone and wallet. With one last kick to my ribs, they ran off into the darkness, leaving me alone and injured on the ground. I could barely move, and tears streamed down my face as I realized the extent of the damage they had caused. I was bruised and broken, both physically and emotionally, and I wondered how I would ever recover from this terrifying and traumatic experience. The worst part of it all was that I had no one here to help me. I started crying, still going through the exhilarating pain. Now, what was I going to do? Just then, a man appeared before me. His presence was unexpected, but I couldn’t help but notice his kind face. His warm brown eyes seemed to radiate kindness, and his gentle smile put me at ease. He was dressed in a well–tailored suit, and I couldn’t take my eyes off him. Something about him drew me in, and I found myself wanting to know more about him. It was like he was an angel coming down from heaven to come and check up on me. I couldn’t tell, but my pain had to shove all these thoughts away. He knelt closer to me. “Are you okay? What happened?” “They took everything from me,” I replied, sobbing. “Come with me. I’ll take you somewhere safe,” he vocalized, helping me get to my feet. I didn’t know this man, but something about him felt trustworthy, and I couldn’t deny the offer of help. Although it did sound really crazy, he Just came here and offered me help when he didn’t even know me. I looked at him for seconds, still trying to process what he had said. “Okay,” I finally uttered after being hesitant. “I’m Andre,” he said, smiling at me. “You can tell me your name later. Right now, you need to be taken care of pretty well.” Andre led me to his apartment, a ravishing place that no one would want to reject. It was quite amazing. He offered me a glass of water. “Here, drink this. It will help calm you down.” Taking the glass from his hand, I sipped the water. “Thank you so much. I don’t know what I would’ve done without your help.” “It’s no problem. I couldn’t just leave you there. Please tell me your name now, if you want.” I wiped away my tears, sniffling. “Ariel.” “Nice to meet you, Ariel.” Andre smiled at me. “Nice to meet you too, André.” I smiled back. And after that, he went ahead and offered me a spare room. I was really fascinated. “You can stay here for as long as you need. I’ll help you get back on your feet.” I was in complete disbelief. I never would have imagined that, following an ambush by some thugs, I would run into a kind stranger who was willing to help. It was like something out of a movie. I couldn’t believe my luck. I kept thinking to myself, “Is this really happening?” Ingratitude: It was such a surreal experience to go from a terrifying situation to finding a guardian angel in the form of a stranger. I knew I would be filled with gratitude, and I would definitely not stop thanking this wonderful person who had come to my rescue. “Thank you, André. I don’t know how to repay you.” “Just get some rest. We’ll figure everything out in the morning,” he told me with a grin. This was just so wonderful. It was a reminder that there was still kindness and goodness in the world, unlike Luke and his venomous ass. I will never forget this moment of unbelievable luck.