My name is Christiane Fischer, and by an ironic twist of fate, I fell in love with the type of man I had detested all my life, Markus Meyer. I was born in the city of Berlin, from an ordinary family with no social standing that distinguished us. I was only 18 years old and just starting my accounting career. I had two sisters, Constanza, who was only 7 years old, and Mariana, who was 13.

One day, after leaving the university, I decided to pass through the city center. I was stressed and anxious, needing some distraction before returning home.

As it was already 7 o'clock in the evening, I walked, absorbed in thoughts about what I could do. I had to find a job, which my father wouldn't approve of, but I needed the money for university.

Suddenly, someone grabbed my arm and covered my mouth with a hand, preventing me from screaming. My heart raced as I was dragged into an alley where two more men awaited, and I could feel a knife pressed against my neck.

I could sense his breath close to my right ear as he demanded that I give him everything I had.

"You can take my bag, but I have nothing valuable, no jewelry or money, just my phone," I said.

"Shut up! I'm not asking for explanations," said one of the hooded men.

Suddenly, I was pushed to the ground and couldn't move. They searched my bag and realized I had been telling the truth.

"What a pity, we caught a poor girl," one of them remarked.

"Poor or not, she looks amazing," another said. "She could entertain us for a while."

I thought, feeling desperate, that my life had reached its end.

Suddenly, I heard a thud and one of the men fell.

"You miserable old man, who do you think you are?" Another blow and another attacker went down. But I knew I couldn't handle all three alone; it was too much for me. I watched as they restrained him and one of them started beating him.

"Enough, enough, they'll kill him," I pleaded.

I struggled to stand up and began pushing them from behind. Suddenly, I felt someone grab me and pull me away. It was a tall man, with a broadsword and strong arms, his hair black as the night.

I watched, astonished, as he fought the men with fury and strength, as if he wanted to kill them, not allowing them to respond.

"Enough, son," whispered the man by my side.

"Is the old man okay?" I asked, worried about the health of that brave man.

Suddenly, a team of men in identical suits arrived and treated the attackers like trash, taking them away.

I looked around, bewildered. It all seemed like an action movie.

"Let's go, I have to take you to the hospital," the man said.

"Can I go with you? Or where are they taking you? I won't be able to sleep not knowing your condition," I asked, agitated and frightened for the well-being of that courageous man.

But one of the men in suits stopped me.

I watched them get into a black van, while the others got into another nearby.

I woke up in the morning feeling exhausted, as I hadn't slept almost the entire night, thinking about everything that had happened to me. I could only imagine what would have happened if that man hadn't arrived. "I would be at my own funeral right now." I thanked God immensely for sending that angel.

I couldn't tell my parents anything, as they would become too intense, and I didn't want to bring more worries into the house. As I left the house, like every day, at 8 o'clock sharp in the morning, on my way to the university, I already had plans to leave before lunch. I had to find out where the man was hospitalized.

I had to do it; he had helped me, and without him, I wouldn't even know what those guys would have done to me. Just the thought gave me terror and disgust.

I spent the entire afternoon visiting hospitals, both public and private, asking about him. It was already past 3 o'clock in the afternoon, and I was starting to give up. I decided to continue my search tomorrow when a man told me that a clinic was located nearby, just two streets away. I figured I had nothing to lose by going.

I entered and went straight to the reception and asked one of the nurses about an elderly gentleman who had been beaten up by muggers the night before. At first, she refused to give information about their patients to a stranger, but I explained everything that had happened to me the previous night and how that brave gentleman had saved me. She was touched and told me his room number. As I entered, I couldn't help but feel disturbed - he was badly bruised. I placed my hand on his chest; he looked as if he were sleeping. Thus, I decided not to wake him and, as I turned around, I heard a voice.

"Are you leaving?"

I turned around.

"No... I came to say hello, but seeing him resting, I didn't want to disturb."

"Don't worry, my dear."

"Oh, sir, I don't know how to thank you for what you did for me last night."

"You don't have anything to be thankful for. You were a lady in danger who needed help."

"But by helping me, you almost lost your life."

"I have already lived my life enough, whereas you still have a lot to live for."

"All human beings are important, we all deserve to live."

I give him a slight smile.

"My name is Rodolfo Meyer."

"Mine is Christiane Fischer."

"It's a pleasure to meet you."

"The pleasure is mine. And how is your condition?"

"The doctors say it's just a couple of broken ribs and some bruises; I have to rest."

"I don't have money right now to help pay for the medical expenses, but I have a computer I could sell to cover half of the costs."

"It's not necessary, my dear - he says without any concern."

"If you allow me, I would like to come and visit you again. I want to stay updated on your condition as a token of my eternal gratitude."

"Of course, my dear, you can come. Although, I'll only be here for a week."

"Thank you so much, only in the afternoons because I have classes in the morning.

CHRISTIANE

Suddenly, the door swung open and two tall men in uniforms entered, making me realize they were military. I immediately recognized one of them as the man who arrived just in time to save the poor old man from being killed. He looked me up and down, as if recognizing me from last night.

He had an attractive profile with bright green eyes, but then his gaze shifted to the older gentleman.

- Next time you want to play the hero\, make sure it's with a woman worth it.

I stared at him in surprise, now understanding the fighting style of that arrogant military bastard who thinks he's better than anyone else.

- Show some respect towards the lady\, son.

- So\, you're the damsel in distress.

The other military man, who accompanied the arrogant one, said sarcastically. He was taller, slightly thinner, with brown eyes and chestnut hair.

- Yes\, it's me.

- Nice to meet you\, I'm Lieutenant Mauricio Schmidt.

- I'm Christiane Fischer.

- Let me tell you\, you're lucky. Brave people like this old man are rare.

- Yes\, I know\, that's why I came to thank him. If it wasn't for him...

- Today\, they would have found you naked\, violated\, and dead in an alley - the gentleman who just kicked me interrupted.

- Markus...

- It's the truth\, old man. She needs to understand that\, - he said\, completely unfazed.

His stare was piercing, making my stomach churn. He looked at me as if I were worthless.

- Don't worry\, sir. I should leave now\, and once again\, I sincerely thank you for everything you did last night. Without you\, my body would be skinned in an alley with nothing left.

I gave him a tender smile, and he returned it with another.

- I doubt that would have happened.

- I doubt it too. I thought about it the moment that man attacked me.

- It was a pleasure saving you\, and I would do it again.

- Goodbye...

I lifted my face, and we stared at each other, feeling a surge of electricity through my body. As I left, I could only feel the stares of those men, sending shivers down my spine.

Markus

I watched as the innocent-looking girl with black hair and honey-colored eyes hidden behind those awful glasses left the room.

- "An interesting damsel in distress\," Mauricio commented\, looking at his friend.

- "Interesting"... Is that what you think?

- You shouldn't have treated her like that\, - the bedridden gentleman interrupted.

- What do you mean? I should have had her removed from here.

- Why are you so upset\, son... she... - I interrupted him immediately.

- She is responsible for nearly getting you killed last night.

- You're wrong. I'm the one to blame. I decided to intervene.

- Maybe so... because you're a stubborn old man who doesn't think\, but if I hadn't arrived in time\, rest assured that my fury would be directed towards her right now.

- Enough\, Markus\, leave your grandfather alone. He did the right thing. I would have done the same for that woman...

- Shut up\, Mauricio...

He burst into laughter.

- She was well covered\, but still attractive.

- That's a sign that she's a decent woman\, the grandfather said.

- Decent or not\, I couldn't care less.

- But she's the luckiest girl in town.

- Why is that? - I asked\, somewhat distracted by my friend's comment.

- She was saved by the most important man in town. Because I assume she knew who they were?

- I don't think so.

- Grandfather\, don't be naive. Of course\, she knew\, that's why she was here.

- I saw her and listened to her\, and she doesn't seem like a bad person to me.

- We have to go\, Markus\, - Mauricio said.

- Grandfather\, they confirmed that you'll be discharged in a week\, you'll be under observation. I'll come by and pick you up.

Markus

I am Markus Meyer, a Lieutenant in the Berlin Armed Forces. I am 24 years old. Since I was a child, I knew what my future would be - to become one of the most important CEOs in the country, as my family owns the largest company in the nation. However, my father not only provided me with education in business administration, economics, and some languages, but also emphasized the importance of building my character based on honor, valor, respect, and serving my nation. With all this, I became a man of high standing with an imposing rank and owner of a considerable fortune.

My father passed away almost 2 years ago, and since then, I have taken on some of my responsibilities in the company. But now, my grandfather demanded that it was time for me to take full control. I had already requested my discharge; I would only spend my last week at the military academy.

"What are you thinking?" Mauricio asked.

"This has been stressful. The plan was for me to take over the company in another 3 years, but hey, at least I'll have more time to meet more women and have as much fun as possible," I replied.

"That's the good thing, even though we could have done that here too," he said.

"I can't believe you also requested your discharge just to accompany me," I said.

"What can I say? Life wouldn't make sense without you," he said sarcastically.

"Idiot," I muttered.

"Maybe this change will make you meet a woman and fall in love," he suggested.

"You know perfectly well I don't believe in those absurd feelings," I replied.

"Yes, I know," he teased again.

Christiane

It has been over a week since that night when I was almost lost. I have visited Mr. Meyer at the clinic many times, and in such a short time, I have developed immense affection for him, like the grandfather I never got to know. The bond and trust were so strong that I couldn't help but share parts of my life and dreams with him.

But a few days ago, his grandson came, and they were able to discharge him. He gave me his address so I could visit him at his house, but I haven't been able to because I'm occupied with helping my father at the cafe and my studies. I arrived at the university and saw my friends sitting on the usual bench. I walked straight towards them.

"Hello, girls," I greeted.

"Hi, Christiane," only one replied.

I noticed they were engaged in an animated and exciting conversation, and I didn't want to get involved. It's probably about the gossip trending today, I thought, lying down on a bench, taking out a book, and starting to read. Later, I went out with Angelika, my best friend, and we saw a black luxurious car and a man who seemed to be the chauffeur across the street.

Immediately, he signaled us... something that seemed strange, but we agreed to go. Suddenly, the chauffeur opened the door, but I never expected the man who stepped out to be none other than Mr. Meyer.

"Hello, Christiane, how are you?" he greeted.

"Hello, Mr. Meyer. I'm doing well, but what a surprise," I replied.

"Did you say Meyer?" my friend Angelika mentioned, surprised.

"Yes, Angelika. He is Mr. Rodolfo Meyer, the one who saved me from those attackers," I explained.

"Pleasure to meet you, Miss Angelika," Mr. Rodolfo said.

"The pleasure is mine. You own the largest and most important company in the country," my friend said, both surprised and excited.

"What?!" I asked, somewhat shocked.

"That's what we were talking about this morning. We saw a news article on social media saying that your grandson has taken over the presidency of the company," Angelika revealed, looking directly at Mr. Meyer.

"Oh, I didn't know you were someone important," I thought, feeling foolish for offering to pay the medical expenses at the clinic.

"Well, Christiane, I still don't understand how you didn't realize," Mr. Rodolfo said.

"I'm sorry. I've been busy with my father and some pending tasks from my studies," I apologized.

"Yes, I also thought about that, which is why I stopped by to invite you for a drink," he offered.

"Of course, I'd be delighted," I replied.

"Can your friend come along?" I looked at Angelika, who nodded happily.

He took me out for lunch at a very luxurious restaurant. We spent almost the entire afternoon laughing; Mr. Rodolfo was someone very special. We said our goodbyes and he asked me to visit him soon.

"Do you plan to go?" Angelika asked.

"I don't know, friend. I don't want there to be any misunderstandings," I replied.

After days of contemplating, I finally decided to go to his house. It was located outside of the city on a beautiful farm with extensive grounds and a stable.

"What a pleasant pleasure to have you here, Christiane," Mr. Rodolfo greeted me.

"Wow, the landscape is beautiful," I exclaimed.

"I knew you would like it."

"I didn't know if I should come," I said somewhat embarrassed.

"Why, Miss Christiane?"

"I didn't want you to think that just because I know you're someone important, it means I have an interest in you now."

"I understand, but I know it's not like that. I am certain that you are a wonderful woman with values."

With those words, I felt relieved that Mr. Rodolfo wouldn't have any wrong impression of me. After a few months of getting to know Mr. Meyer better, he revealed more about himself. He told me that he had once had a beautiful family, a wife whom he loved with his whole being, and children whom he was proud of. But that all changed abruptly when his wife and daughter had a fatal accident on their way home. He said that I reminded him a lot of his little Brigitte, who was my age when that tragedy occurred. He was left with his only son, whom he admired with all his soul. Sadly, his son passed away before he did. Mr. Rodolfo was a great person, but unfortunately, he had suffered a lot. He never got to see his daughter fully become a woman, he couldn't grow old with his beloved, and lastly, his only son died before him.

Three years later, I still continued to visit my courageous gentleman. I would go almost every weekend, fortunately, never encountering his arrogant grandson again after that day at the clinic. Mr. Rodolfo would tell me that his grandson was a very important and busy man who traveled a lot and only came on holidays. I found that very inconsiderate of him, but what more could be expected from such a self-centered person.