Digital Love

CTR

The Realist guy here period
 

 
Hey guys and gals.  This is my new novel that I'm debuting first at my Wattpad page.  This story has romance in it and is inspired by a true story.  So come along and enjoy the journey with me.  Oh, don't forget to leave comments on my Wattpad page as well.   
Page: https://www.wattpad.com/user/CTR2002
Currently, I'm working on a cover with my brother in law so I should have it up by two days from now. 
 
synopsis
 
What is love?  Even the very essence of the question had perplexed countless of individual throughout history.  People have fought over it and people have died in sorrow because of love.  The game of love has become even more complicated since the arrival of the digital age.  The advent of the computer and the modern cellphone have accelerated this complicated matter even more for Ryan Petersen. 
 
After losing what he thought was the love of his life, Ryan and his best friend James set off on a journey to find out how to reconnect with women on a more intimate level.  Their journey takes take to various love gurus where they are taught bit and pieces of what love is all about.  It is during this journey that Ryan somehow manages to connect with a sweet beautiful Hollywood star. 
 
At first, their love was just platonic and very cordial.  But as the weeks went by, the seed under the moisture soil beneath their feet started to sprout and love started to blossom in a beautiful way.  Love is a beautiful thing but it also cause heartaches and pains without proper understanding.  Will Ryan and Mary’s love last through the stormy weather?  Can they overcome their differences?  Or will the fabric of their bond becomes stronger after facing countless tribulations together? 
 

CTR

The Realist guy here period
The cold blustery wind came creeping from the Northeast, and the dark ominous clouds loomed over the rows of skyscrapers in downtown.  Some would say when it rains, it will pours without no sunshine.  And, this one was no difference as Ryan could feel it deep inside of his soul.  A small droplet started to trickle down and then a few more came until his heart was flood like the Arizona landscape after the arrival of the Monsoon.  This wasn’t just an ordinary flood, it was a flood that was last seen by Noah and his family where it rained for forty days and for forty nights. 
 
“How could you do this to me?” Shouted Ryan, as he felt down on his knees. 
 
“You were my heart, my soul, my love, and my flame.”  The aching in his heart felt like a thousand needles had punctured it.  Ryan was slumping just
trying to sit straight as he crosses his arms on his knees. 
 
“Never again will I believe in love,” said Ryan with a flat, monotone voice.  “These will be the last tears I shed for you or anyone else.”
For thirty minutes, Ryan just sat there in disbelief.  He felt angry, hurt, deceived, betrayed, abandoned, and all the colors of the rainbow.  He did his best to gather himself as he gingerly back himself to the concrete wall after pressing against it to get up from the floor.  Ryan’s legs wobbled a bit before he was able to compose himself overlooking the night lit sky of the city.  He leaned forward and shouted, “My heart might be in a coma but it is still alive.  And no, you haven’t heard the last of me world.”
 
Panic set in as he looked as his phone.  It was five before eight and James was waiting quietly outside his cubicle waiting to get a ride home because his car was in the shop.  Ryan wrestled himself down the downstairs wall before reaching the seventh floor.    
“Man, where have you been?  I’ve been looking all over for you,” said James.
 
“Nothing.  Everything is alright, replied Ryan.
 
But James was not buying it as the two of them have known each other for a very long time.  The sorrow and deep sadness in Ryan’s eyes were noticeable and it was as if someone had deflated his balloon. 
 
“Don’t tell me bro.  It’s about Jen,” said James, as his eyes widen.  James gently tapped Ryan on the shoulder.  “What did she say to you?”
Ryan just kept walking towards the elevator while trying to ignore all the questions that were coming from James. 
 
“It’s not like you guys never had problems before,” nagged James. “This one is probably not that different.”
 
“WOULD YOU JUST SHUT UP,” yelled Ryan.  It was the first time he had raised his voice at his best friend. Ryan felt bad but he just wanted to reflect on the text message that Jen had sent to him two hours ago.      
 
“I’m sorry man, I didn’t mean to say it like that, sighed Ryan.
 
As the two enter the car, James looked Ryan squarely in the eyes.  “When you’re ready to talk about it, I’m here for ya man.”
Ryan clinches his fist into a knuckle and they both knuckle tapped each other to remind themselves of the friendship that they have for one another. 
 
“I’ll let you know later,” said Ryan. 
 
It was around nine when Ryan made his way through the front door of the house.  Ryan body and soul just wanted to rest from the emotional roller coaster that had just transpired as he crept through the living room.  Unbeknown to Ryan is that his mom had been waiting for him to come home and she had just prepared a big meal for him.
 
“Where do you think you’re going,” stated Belinda.
 
“I’m not hungry Ma,” replied Ryan, as he walks towards the stairway.
 
“I made your favorite meatloaf, chicken broccoli casserole, and Key lime pie.”     
 
But Ryan just kept on walking with his head slump towards the ground without saying a word.  Belinda noticed right away and was deeply concerned because Ryan would have never forgo his favorite meal ever unless something was extremely bothering him.  Right before Ryan could take a step upstairs, his mom grabbed him by the arm and gently nudged him to the dining room table. 
 
“Now sit,” said Belinda as she put a slice of meatloaf on his plate.  “Don’t tell me that jezebel Jennifer broke your heart.”
Ryan just kept starring at the white table cloth as he rested his chin on the palm of his hand.  His stomach was growling but his heart was lifeless like the Dead Sea. 
 
“I knew it.  She was trouble for you since you two first met.”  Belinda slowly pours a glass of lemonade for Ryan.  “The way she talks to me and your sister.  Goodness graces!  I’m glad she’s gone.”  
 
Ryan just kept ignoring his mom while stabbing his meatloaf back and forth. 
 
“Now, if you want an angel,” said Belinda as her eyes lightened up.  “Daisy, Mrs. O’Brien’s daughter is just perfect for you.”
 
Ryan begins to shiver as the thought of dating Daisy from church bought terror to his eyes. 
 
“What’s wrong with her?” asked Belinda.  “Do you see how she treats her mom? Her elders?”
 
“You should see how she treated her friends at school,” mumbled Ryan.  “Your angel might not be so innocent after all.”
 
“What do you mean by that?”
 
Ryan quietly whistle.  “Nothin’ ma.”
 
“Well, finish your meatloaf.  You don’t want to sleep on an empty stomach.”
 
“I’ll be all right ma.  I’m not a little kid anymore you know.”
 
Belinda leaned on the chair and had one hand on her hip.  “Even if you’re 30, 40, or 70.  You’re always be my baby.”
Ryan slaps himself on the forehand as he lets out a deep exhale.  “You just don’t get it ma.  I’m a grown man now.  I can blaze my own path.” 
As Ryan walks off into living room, Belinda was stunned and flabbergasted at what had just transpired.  What had happened to her sweet and caring son?  What was the cause of all of this?  It must have surely came from him spending all of that time with that Jennifer she thought. 
 
The fog and the confusion was still lingering in Ryan’s head as he woke up in the morning.  It was as if what had transpired the following day was a bad nightmare.  Ryan’s body contorted as the fear finally crept in that Jennifer was gone from his life.  The loneliness, the despair, and the abandonment was just to much as the  wet warm tears ran down his cheek. 
 
“Man, you gotta stay strong,” said Ryan as he wipes the tears from his face.  “She’s gone. Gone.”
 
He gently crawls out of bed before stumbling to the foot of his mirror.  “You” He pointed to himself.  “You are nothing but a loser.  His eyes redden.  “You hear me.” 
 
As Ryan continues to weep, Belinda could hear the sound of falling objects coming from his room. 
 
“Ryan, honey, are you all right?”
 
All of a sudden, it became completely quiet.  Belinda was starting to worry that he had done the unthinkable.  “Ryan, open up.”  Her eyes widen with terror as she pounds on his door.  “Ryan, open up now.”
 
Ryan was lying face down on the ground as Belinda entered the room after remembering she had made a copy of his key to his room weeks ago.  As she turned him on his side, Belinda could see that he was unconscious as white foams starting out of his mouth.  Belinda grasps him in her arms as she dialed 911 for help. 
 
“Don’t leave me now, Ryan,” she cried.  “Tom, don’t you dare come take my baby boy.  It’s not his time yet.”  She rocked him back and forth as brushes his head.  “You gotta hang in there honey.”
 
The dial on the clock ticked and ticked as Belinda paced back and forth in the ER.  There were other people who were in the same precarious as they too were griped with fear as their love ones fight to survive their harrowing ordeal.  As the minutes passed by, Belinda could no longer handle the frightening ordeal as they sat down on a chair covering her head with her hands.  The pool of tears beneath her feet were puddles of misery. 
 
“Mom, mom.  How is he doing?” asked Jackie, as she consoles her mother. 
 
Belinda slowly pull her head out of her hands as she tries to wipe the tears from her face.  “We don’t know yet.  They just took him in fifteen minutes ago.”
 
Jackie reaches over to give her mom a hug while rubbing her back.  “I know daddy is watching over him.  He’ll pull through ma.”
 
“Tom, do you hear this?” said Belinda.  “You betta watch over our boy.”
 
Both mother and daughter patiently waited in the waiting room as nurses and doctors walked pass them in and out of the ER.  Belinda was tense and her tired face spoke of a mother who in distraught and in need of an answer from one of the doctors walking by.  Right before Jackie was going to ask the nurse on the counter for an update on her brother, a tall slimmer white breaded doctor walked towards the two of them. 
 
“Are you the relative of Ryan Hoffenheim?”
 
Belinda and Jackie both shook their heads. 
 
“Well, I have some bad news for you,” said the doctor as he flips through the results on his clipboard.
Belinda’s legs started to wobbled and then buckled upon hearing the word “bad.” Her vision became blurry as her head titled backward before passing out.
 
Jackie was fanning Belinda as she watches the ventilator move up and down as a lifeless Ryan was hooked up to it.  Ryan was her baby brother and losing him would be devastating for her and her mother.  The burial of her father was fresh in her mind as next month would be two full year since his passing.  
 
Thirty minutes seem like an eternality as the sweats slowly runs down the forehand of Belinda as she regains consciousness.  “Where’s my boy?” she whispered.  “I just wanna hold his hands and tell him I love him dearly.”
 
“He’s not dead mom,” said Jackie.  “See, he’s over there.” 
 
Jackie held her mom’s hands as she led her over to see Ryan.  “He’s just in a coma.  We just don’t know when he will come out of it.”
 
“My poor Ryan,” said Belinda, as she rubs her hands on his hair and gently kisses his forehand.   “You have to come back.  At least for me.” 
 
Jackie was conflicted as she sat on a chair next to her brother’s bedside.  Does she tells her mother about Ryan’s long term prognosis or wait a few more days before Belinda could handle the news?  Dr. Reynolds had informed Jackie that Ryan might not be the same ever again.  He could lose functions in some part of his limbs.  He could lose part of his memory in the short term or he could lose them all together.  Ryan was clinical dead for ten minutes before a miraculous thing occurred.  It was as if he was given a second chance from God to really find that true love that he thought never existed. 
 
Days passed and then weeks passed before a tingling in Ryan’s fingers signaled to Jackie that Ryan was close to coming out of his coma.  Days by days, Ryan’s condition starting to improve as he begins to move his toes, his feet, and his head.  The progress was slow but it gave Jackie, Belinda, and James hope that he would pull of it eventually. 
 
It was Friday night and James had just got out of work before heading to the hospital to see Ryan.  Belinda and Jackie had just gone downstairs to the cafeteria to get something to eat and James was about to pick up an issue of Sport Illustrated before he noticed Ryan was slowly opening his eyes. 
 
“Ryan, you’re back man,” James crying with joy.  “We all misses you.”
 
As James padded his hands, Ryan glanced at James up and down.  “Who are you?  Do I know you?”
 
“You’re kidding right?” said James.  “We’ve been friend since middle school.”
 
Ryan thought long and hard but he just didn’t know who James was.  He tried again but this time, a powerful headache came over him and he screamed in pain.
 
There were terror in James’ eyes as he scramble to hit the emergency button for a nurse or a doctor to come to the aid of his friend.  “GET SOMEONE IN HERE NOW!  MY FRIEND, HE’S IN A LOT OF GREAT PAIN.”     
 
“Hang in there buddy,” said James, as he held Ryan down so he wouldn’t move erratically. 
 
Two nurses and a doctor could be seen running into the room to assist James in relieving Ryan of his pain.  One of the nurses with dark brown hair and a lovely smile calmly escorted James into the hallway while the doctor and the other nurse work on Ryan.  Bad thoughts raced through James’ head like race cars passing each other’s up in the Daytona 500.  He was on his knee praying when Jackie and Belinda got out of the escalator. 
“JAMES.  What is going? What’s is wrong with Ryan, said Jackie as she tries to look through the glass door. 
 
“He…he…He’s in a lot of pain right now.”  James was still shaking as he rubs his hands back and forth.  “I don’t know what happened.”      
 
The three of them agonizingly waited as the doctor and nurses worked on Ryan to see what was wrong with him.  Belinda just kept staring through the glass window as her the gleam in her eyes flickered with the hope that Ryan would pull through.  Jackie was texting friends and family for their thoughts and prayers while James was texting his co-workers for support.
 
“Doc, is my son going to be all right?” asked Belinda as the doctor and nurses came out of the room.
 
“He’s gonna be ok,” said the doctor.  “We just need to take his recovery progress slowly.”  Filling out a slip for one of the nurse so they can get Ryan’s medicine from the pharmacy downstairs.  “Let him think freely.  If his brain becomes stressed, it will cause great pain again.”  The three of them surrounded the doctor as he instructed them on ways to help Ryan from over stressing his brain. 
 
Weeks passes by and Ryan was making significant progress in rehabbing his mind, body, and soul.  He no longer needed clutches to walk and the painful episodes in his brain had subsided quite a bit.  It was a battle but Ryan was a fighter and he was determined to come out on top. He did not quite know who these people were but Ryan knew that they loved him deeply and that was enough for him. 
 
“What was I like when I was little?” asked Ryan.
 
“A pain in my butt,” laughed Jackie.      
 
“I must have done a good job at it cuz you’re still by my side.”
 
“I remembered you tattling on me when I snuck out of the house, said Jackie, as she playfully pinches his cheek.  “And I was grounded for a month.”
 
“What’s mom like?”
 
She cares about you a lot.  You’re her angel and her favorite.”
 
“That’s not true,” said Ryan, as he got on the treadmill.  “Maybe, she doesn’t have to worry about you like me.”
 
“How so?”
 
Ryan thought about it for a second.  “You’re an executive at BKR Bank.  And Joe and you are a perfect match.”
 
Jackie softly throws a small teddy bear at him.  “Oh really.  Who told you that?”
 
“Mr. handsome himself.  Or should I say my future brother in law.”
 

Bieluvr

XiaojuXiyou
Awe. I feel so bad for Ryan, but at least for now, he won't remember all the pain he had gone through. :)
 
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CTR

The Realist guy here period
Ryan was soaked to the core as his jog on the treadmill came to an end.  This was the first time he was able to complete the full thirty minutes and it felt like he was on his way to full recovery from his ordeal.  But, there was one problem, he still hasn’t recovered his memory.  He still didn’t know who he was and he desperately wanted to know why he was injured in the first place. 
 
“Can you tell what happened that morning?” said Ryan, as he wipes the sweats off of his face.    
 
“I just wanna know so I can move on with my life.  And maybe, I can learn from it.”
 
Jackie got up from her chair and walked over to Ryan.  It’s not that she didn’t want to tell the truth, she was more concern about his well-being and how he would handle knowing what really happened.  She lets out a big exhale.  “Well, um… you slipped and fell on your head.  There, that’s the whole story.”
 
Ryan could sense Jackie wasn’t tell the whole story as she refuses to look him in the eyes and she kept fidgeting with her hands.  He circled his sister like a ravenous great white that’s was about to devour a seal.
 
“Is that the whole truth and nothing but the truth?” said Ryan.
 
Jackie raises her right hand up.  “I swear your honor.”  But Ryan was going to test her reaction by cross examining her with rapid questions. 
 
“Your brother was in the hospital?”
 
“Fell on his head from overdose.”
 
“What was the reason?”
 
“Dumped by a girl, named Jennifer.”
 
Jackie immediately covers her mouth after realizing that she had just revealed what had happened to him.  “No, no, that’s not what really happened.”
But it was too late as Ryan raced outside to gather his thought and to take in what his sister had just revealed to him.  It didn’t matter that he did not remember a single thing that went on that morning or who Jennifer was, it was the principle of it that was important to Ryan.   
 
“Love, I will never be a victim to you again,” said Ryan.  “I will conquer hearts.  I’ll be the one who’s playing the game.”
 
Later that night, James came over to visit Ryan to see how he was doing.  They were battling other players online playing the latest installation of League of Legends.  James was dominating everyone left and right while Ryan took a break after getting killed for the tenth times.  Ryan scratches his head in disappointment as he sat on the couch flipping through various channels. 
 
“Hold on for a second, honey,” said Belinda.  “I think that a new show.  New actresses too.”
 
Ryan rolls his eyes.  “Come on maa.  Can’t I just watch Fast 7?”
 
As Ryan leaves to go to the kitchen to make himself a sandwich, a picture of a beautiful actress flashes through the preview of the debuting episode.  Ryan instantly rubs his eyes to see who she was but she was a brand new actress did he had never seen before.  In the kitchen, Ryan threw what he could find on his sandwich before rushing out to join his mother.
 
“Anything interesting happened ma?”
 
“Nope.  Just family heart break and separation that’s all.”
 
Ryan took a bite out of his sandwich.  “Ma, Fox has definitely stepped up their game with this new show.”
As the show went on, Ryan became very captivated with Catherine who was one of the leads in the show.  There was something about her that was oozing with sex appeal that he couldn’t quite get his finger on.  Catherine was petite, spunky, outgoing, charming, witty, and downright pretty on the show.  Towards the end of the one hour show, another actress came on screen and Ryan was perplexed.  Was Catherine playing as a double in this TV show he thought to himself?
 
Belinda gently whacks him on the head.  “They’re sisters.  Born one year apart according to their profile online.”
 
“Dang mom, you’re fast.”
 
“See the one with the rounded face,” Belinda exclaimed.  “I think she’s very beautiful.”
 
Ryan went over and saw that it was Mary who his mother was talking about.  Mary had that warm simple glow to her that hard to find.  Her eyes were sweeter than the sweetest licorice and her smile can warm a person’s heart in the coldest of night.  One thing became perplexed Ryan, Mary’s online personality versus her personality on the TV show were completely opposite.  Mary was very vibrant and colorful in real life while Catherine was more reserve. 
 
“If I can choose, I’ll choose this one,” smile Belinda, as she pointed at Mary.
 
Ryan spits out the cup of cocoa he was drinking.  “Not gonna happen mom.  Both of them are unattainable.”
 
But Belinda’s eyes were still blissfully glowing.  “You never know.  The good lord has a way out evening things out.”
 
Ryan went over to give his mom a hug before heading upstairs with James.  “Sure they do mom.  Sure they do.”  There were many things in life that
Ryan believe he could overcome but that was not one of them.  Besides, true love was dead to Ryan as he was concerned.  Ryan was on a new mission and that mission entails mastering the art of love.   
 

040156

sarNie Adult
Oh oh! I love the song "Digital Love" by Daft Punk, I just remembered it when I saw your fic. I like it so far. And there are 2 actresses, it's intriguing! I wonder how that would play out in the story! And oh!I wonder what happened between Ryan and Jennifer. Looking forward to the next chapter!
 

CTR

The Realist guy here period
040156 said:
Oh oh! I love the song "Digital Love" by Daft Punk, I just remembered it when I saw your fic. I like it so far. And there are 2 actresses, it's intriguing! I wonder how that would play out in the story! And oh!I wonder what happened between Ryan and Jennifer. Looking forward to the next chapter!
 
Not to give the story away but the two actresses won't be fighting for Ryan.  Jennifer will play an important role in this book but I just can't reveal to you yet.  I'll did an extensive amount of research before writing this book so I can craft it all together better.  Bieluvr will tell you that my story tends to have twists and turns.  But they will all add up at the end.  
 
I wrote a couple of ending for this already but I can reveal it yet.  At the end, I might post the two of them up to give a compare and contrast to them.   
 

CTR

The Realist guy here period
The next day, Ryan was in an upbeat mood as he handed his resignation paper to the office secretary. James was scrabbling to answer incoming calls from clients who were wondering why their trades did not go through the previous Friday.  His desk was a complete mess as papers, sticky notes, pens, and pencils were scattered everywhere.  It was the life Ryan no longer wanted to live and he was given a wakeup call after his near death experience.  
 
Knock, knock, anyone home,” smile Ryan.
 
“Shouldn’t you be in your cubicle by now?” replied James.
 
Ryan went inside his cubicle to straighten out James’ paperwork for him.  “Yeah, if I still work here.”
 
“Wait, don’t me tell Curtis fired you after missing all of this time?  Ooo-wee, he’s bout to get a piece of my mind.”
 
Ryan could see he was dead serious as James clinches his fist before walking out of his cubicle.  “Wait a second bro.”  Ryan holding back him by his left arm.  “I wasn’t forced out, I resigned.”
 
“What?   Do your mom know about this?”
 
Ryan shook his head. 
 
“She’s gonna go bananas when she finds out.”   James quickly faxes a receipt to a client.  “I don’t know man.  You have to think things through before making a major decision like this.”
 
There are still many lingering questions left unanswered but Ryan was prepared to deal with them when they did come up. But Ryan had his mind made up already and there was no turning back.  “I’ll see you in Cali if you want to join me.”
 
As Ryan made his way towards the elevator, James was still in shock as he rubs his hands over his head in disbelief.
 
 Chapter 2 intro
 
The beautiful palm trees that lined Rodeo Drive was a magnet for tourist a like.  Exotic cars can be seen parked next to vintage and boutique shops as their owner venture inside to pick out their prize possessions.  To the common person, these shops were out of reach, but for Mary and Catherine, this was their playground.  It didn't matter if it was Gucci, Prada, or Chanel.  If they wanted it, they would be theirs.   The two of them were inseparable, it was as if they were made from the same fiber even though they were a year a part.  Catherine, the older sister was a sultry knockout who could draw the attention of men miles away.  Her smile was razor sharp as it could slice even the bravest of men that dear come her way.  It was an aurora of confidence that was simply irresistible to the common man.
 
Mary was gorgeous in her own right.  Her smile is very inviting and warm to the touch.  She is a sweetheart that had that small town charm to her.  Mary's trademark winks, goofy exterior, and playful nature gives her a colorful personality that is very contagious.  With that being said, Mary was a straight shooter as she wore her emotions on her sleeves.  It was something about her that genuine and real to the core. 
 
“Hurried,” Catherine shouted from a distance.  “We’re going to be late for tonight’s show.”
 
Daryl their bodyguard was struggling just to keep up as he had bags of shoes, clothing, and lotions to carry. 
 
“We should have brought Carl here with us today,” said Catherine as she got into the backseat of the SUV.  “There’s only so much Daryl could carry.”
 
Mary was in her own little world as she was texting her BFFs about the good deals that she and Catherine had just gotten.  She was beaming with joy and excitement as she couldn’t wait to attend the fashion show.  It was going to be Melissa’s debut fashion line and Mary wouldn’t miss it for anything. 
 
The two of them have known each other for very long time and they were the closest of friends. 
Photographers were out in full force that night as models made their catwalks wearing the latest outfits.  Fashion icons and journalists were there noting the exotic offering by Melissa and her team.  As Mary and Catherine made their way to their seat in the front row, Phil was waiting for the two of them.  Phil had known the two of them since they were young and they all went to the same school.
 
“You’re late,” said Phil.  “Luckily, I was able to save these two seat for the two of you.”
 
“Anything interesting so far?” asked Catherine.  “Traffic was so damn awful today.” 
 
Phil moving his iPad so Mary could sit next to him.  “You wanna see what you missed?
 
“No, thanks.  Melissa can show me backstage,” said Mary, as she waves at Melisa from afar.       
 
“Wanna, see this new jacket I got yesterday then?”
 
Mary was getting annoyed by his constant interruption as she was trying to watch the show.  She just kept ignoring him and she kept snapping pictures left and right. 
 
“Ok.” Phil just sat there as if his balloon had been deflated.  He couldn’t understand why Mary was so cold to him and why she was ignoring him.  As the show went on, he took out his phone and went on snapchat.  Phil had many pictures of him and Mary and he would draw heart shape figures around her.  He would draw them and erase them fearing that Mary would find out that he have had a crush on her for a long time. 
 
“Hey, what are you drawing over?” asked Catherine as she got up to use the restroom.
 
“Nothing,” he lied, as he quickly opened up YouTube. 
 
Little did he knows, Catherine had known that he have had a crush on her sister for a while now.  She just didn’t want to break the bad news to him that
 
Mary only saw him as a friend and nothing else.  “She gonna find out eventually,” whispered Catherine.  “You might as well…”
Phil became petrify because his secret was out in the open.  If Mary finds out, his friendship with Mary would be over he thought.  Somehow, someway, he would have to convince Catherine not to spill his secret.  He followed Catherine towards the back before she reached the restroom.
 
“I’ll do anything, as long as you don’t tell her,” pleaded Phil.
 
Catherine smile.  “Anything?”
 
“Yes.”
 
[SIZE=11pt]Catherine heads toward the ladies’ restroom.  “You owe me big time buddy.”[/SIZE]
 

CTR

The Realist guy here period
The next chapter will deal with Ryan's transformation external and inner.  Here I will explore or give a glimpse of what game theories is.  Personally, I have done some research on this topic and I have done some experiment on it as well.  I just wanted to get a sense of what it's like so I can describe it in greater detail in this book.  Now, I won't bored you guys out with technical words but I would like to give a taste of what they are.  Please check back for updates.  Peace.   
 

sarN

sarNie Granny
aww , you writing romance . im liking it so far ^^^ i miss reading fiction lollllll i'm back now so update soon ^^^^^
 

CTR

The Realist guy here period
As I write this book, I am actually using the lingo that people use on the street to describe these types of guys.  So, I did pretty of research on it. 
 
LAX was busy as usual as international and domestic flight landed and took off.  The bustling neon lights of Los Angeles was a spectacular sight to see as Ryan’s plane circled the runway.  TSA agents were checking bags and luggage as groups of people lined up to pass the metal detectors and advanced imaging technology.  “This is it,” he thought.  This was going to be a fresh start and his problems back home was going to be left behind.  Whatever was the cause of his suffering was going to come to end and he was going to conqueror love like how Alexander the Great conquered the free world in ancient time with great determination. 
 
Round and round the baggage carousel went back and forth as Ryan picked up his luggage before heading out to meet his Uber driver.  A well-dressed thirty two years old man that goes by the name of Gambit came out to meet him.  His black shoes were polished, his white dress skirt and black dress pant did not appear to have any wrinkle at all.  
 
“Whoa, nice car you got there,” exclaimed Ryan.  “Man, you must be killing it to be driving this Lexus IS350.”
 
“Nah,” said Gambit, as he slowly pulls out five cards from his coat pocket to reveal a royal flush.  “Sometimes, when you break the rules, you win the game.”
 
“Tell me more,” said Ryan, as his eyes lit up like the 4th of July.
 
“Loyalty doesn’t exist anymore.  You should only be loyal to yourself.”
 
Ryan nodded his head as the two of them got into the car.  “You see right there,” pointed Gambit.  “Do you see all those people in that office building?”
 
“Um…yeah,” said Ryan.
 
“While they’re working their butts off, their bosses are playing golf in some fancy country club in Beverly Hill.”
 
“No, you’re right man.  I was one of those guys, said Ryan as pointed at Gambit in agreement.  Since he was a child, Ryan had always
followed the rules of life to the dotted line and at the end, he didn’t have anything to show for it.  “So tell man, what do you do for a living?”
 
“Freelance photographer,” grinned Gambit. 
 
“I guess you ain’t making that much if you’re doing Uber on the side, joked Ryan.
 
Gambit slowly pulls up next to a car full of young and gorgeous blonds.  “You see them rich girls right there?”
Ryan nodded his head.
 
“If you can befriend them, you’ll have access to so many places.”
 
Ryan shrugged his shoulder and squinted his eyes as he looked at Ryan in disbelief.  “Really.”
 
“So how many girlfriends have you had in your life so far?”
 
Ryan closes his eyes but as he tries to remember things from his past, the throbbing pain in his head was just too much.  All he knew was that he was with Jennifer and that she left him for someone else.  “One I guess.”
 
“Hahahahaha.  Just as I suspected.”  Gambit playfully shoves Ryan in the shoulder.  “You’re an AFC”
 
“What’s that?”
 
“You see that guy right there?” pointed Gambit, as a guy was tailgating a group of female across the sidewalk.  “He is your classic average frustrated chump.”
 
Ryan didn’t know what to say.  Was frustrated with his love life?  Did he tried committing suicide after Jennifer left?  It all donned on him that he was in the same boat as the guy on the sidewalk.  “You’re right, I am an AFC.  And I’m sick of it.”
 
As the two of sat waiting for the light to turn, Ryan looked out the window and he could visually see two girls walking out on some kind of fashion show followed by a nerdy looking guy.  Out of the shadow, he could see a man wearing a black hoodie approaching the three as they were talking to each other next to their cars.   
 

CTR

The Realist guy here period
 
Part 1 ending to Digital Love ( This is what I envisioned the ending would be like) Read if you dare,  I had writer's block so I decided to write the ending yesterday.  I did three or four ending but this is the best one of them all. 
 
 
“Didn’t you hear what she just said?” said Phil.  “She told you to get lost.  She’s through with you.”
 
Ryan quickly glances at Mary but all he could see was a deep cold disdain in her eyes.  It was a bitterness that caused Ryan’s heart to burn with frostbite. 
 
Phil confidently walked over with Mary as his men had tied Ryan on a hanger.  He mockingly grabs Ryan by his shirt collar while pointing a 22mm at his head. 
 
“You see.  People like you don’t deserve to walk on the same street as we do.  You’re lucky to even breathe the same air that we do.”
Ryan couldn’t take it anymore as he spits right in his face.  “You’re money.  They can buy lots of stuff.  But they can’t buy you real friendship.”
 
“Isn’t that so?” said Phil, as he mercilessly punches Ryan in the gut before delivering a backhand to his face.  “Tell that to your boy Gambit.   Everybody has a price.”
 
Mary was still angry at Ryan but with every punches that he took, she would winced and turn away from seeing him getting badly injured.
 
Ryan smiled as the cut on his lips was causing him discomfort.  “That we can agree.  AJ found out the price for trafficking women was thirty years.  So he ̶ ̶ you know?”
 
“I know what?”
 
“He told the FBI that you and Jean Pierre were the mastermind of the operation.”
 
“Is this true?” said Mary, as she steps right between the two.  “Tell me the truth Phil.”
 
“Um…He’s lying babe.  I promise.”
 
“You forgot one thing,” said Ryan.  “Aren’t you going to tell her where her father and sister is?” 
Phil cocked his gun as he put the barrel of the gun in Ryan’s mouth.  “If it wasn’t for you my plan would have worked wonderfully.”
 
“What plan?” Mary interrupted.
 
“I dunno,” smiled Ryan.  “How about ransom?”   
 
Then everything became clear to Mary.  She had put her faith in Phil without him providing her with any proof whatsoever.  Mary wanted to see the best in people and she believes giving Phil a second would do him wonders.  “Where’s my father and sister Phil?”
 
“Don’t worry darling.  They’re safe.  We’re just waiting for the money to go through that’s all.”
 
“You bastard.  Release them now,” said Mary, as she pounded on his chest.
 
“Now, now.  My love.  Don’t be like that.  All will be fine in a few minutes.”
 
“For me yes,” grinned Ryan.  “For you not so much.  The fed are on their way.”  Early that morning, the FBI had installed a tracking device inside Ryan’s car and they were closing in on his current location.  They were monitoring everything that was going on but they had to be careful because only Phil knew the where about of Mary’s father and sister.
 
“Good,” said Phil.  “I knew they would be coming.  That’s why I have this whole place wired with explosives.” 
 
“And you, you’re coming with me.” 
 
“No, I’m not going anywhere with you, cried Mary, as she tries wrestling her wrist free from his grip.  “Ryan, help me!  I’m sorry I didn’t believe.”
 
Police sirens could be heard approaching the abandoned factory complex as the FBI has gathered enough evidence to convict Phil on multi-charges of racketeering, money laundering, and illicit sex trades.
 
“This is the police.  We have the building surrounded.  No one does not need to get hurt.”
 
A squadron of the swat team cautiously approaches the building before an explosive went off killing five members of their team.  It is through this chaos that Conrad the head of Phil’s security team started spraying bullets at the approaching swat team.  Bullets were flying everywhere as the ensuing battle took place inside the complex. 
 
Agent Perez fired ten rounds at the two men that was guarding Ryan in the back.  The two of them fell on the ground as the bullets exited their bodies and Agent Perez slowly untied a tired and badly beaten Ryan.  “Hang in there man, the paramedics are on standby.”
 
“He got Mary.  I got to go rescue her.”
 
“Who?”
 
“Phil.  He took with her before you guys came.”
 
“Son of a gun,” said Agent Perez, as he pounded on a table.  “We’re this close to getting him.”
 
“I know where he took her.  We’re going to settle it man versus man.”
 
 
Agent Perez and another agent helped Ryan to his feet as they took him to awaiting ambulance.  “I’m coming with you then.”
 
“No,” said Ryan.  “You have to rescue her sister and father.  If you come, he will surely kill Mary.  Plus, you’ll know where I am with the
GPS in the car.”
 
A frustrated Agent Perez rubs his hands through his hair before relenting to Ryan’s request.
It took about thirty minutes for Ryan to get bandaged up and as he was heading to his car to track down Phil and Mary, Melissa came running out of Agent Perez’s car. 
 
“Please, promise me you’ll bring my bff back safe and sound.”
 
Ryan grimaces in pain as she gave him a warm hug.  “I promise.”
 
The complex was up in up in smoke as the bomb squad had to detonate the remaining bombs that did not go off.  Medics were on
scene as they treated to those who were wounded in the shootout and bodies were covered up as the site was still an active investigation scene.  Before Ryan left, Agent Perez handed Ryan a 22mm and an extra clip in case he needed them. 
 
“I won’t be too far behind,” said Agent Perez.
 
Ryan steps on the gas and headed South to the marina where Phil was likely trying to escape to Mexico by sea.  Various thoughts flashed back and forth in his mind as he hit ninety and one hundred on the expressway.  Did Mary meant when she said all those things about him?  Did she really loved him for who he was?  The bright California sun reflected off the crisp blue Pacific Ocean as Ryan raced out of his car towards Phil’s Yacht.  Phil was having his afternoon lunch as Ryan came barreling in from the dock. 
“Wouldn’t you mind joining me for lunch today?” said Phil.
 
“Cut the bullshit.  Where is she?” said Ryan.  “And where is her sister and father?”
 
Phil casually wipes his lips with a handkerchief.  “Why are you in a rush?  We have all the marina to ourselves today.”
 
“I’m not going to ask you again.  Where is she?”
 
“In the room downstairs,” grinned Phil.  “You might want to hurry up, lover boy.”
 
“We have a score to settle after this.”  But as Ryan came closer to Phil, he noticed that there was a small explosive device on his belt.
Ryan rushes downstairs and ended up kicking the door open.  Inside, Mary was tied up onto a chair and a bomb was strapped on her waist.  The clock was counting down and Ryan only had ten minutes to unlock the four digit combination or else Mary was a goner.  Ryan tried every combination he knew but they were no use.  The sweats slowly pours down his face as the clock was now under two minutes.
 
“Damn it,” said Ryan in frustration.  “THINK RYAN THINK.”
 
Then it hit him.  “It has to be 20-27,” he thought.  Phil was notorious nonchalant in using the same password over and over and these two numbers were no exception.  The two numbers were Phil and Pierre’s age after they had sworn alliance to each other.  Ryan also noticed Phil entering those numbers into the safe at his house after Pierre had dropped off some money.  As Ryan entered the number, he had five seconds to spare before the bomb would have taken him and Mary to the heavenly realm.    
 
“Phew!  That was close.”      
 

CTR

The Realist guy here period
Sorry everyone, I'm going to park this story here for a little longer.  I think I might finish it in the summer or something.  Not feeling inspired by it at all.  Again I apologize to anyone that was reading this.  I am currently in the process of doing some major editing to White Lotus before I shop it around to publishers. Thanks for your understanding and support.  
 

sarN

sarNie Granny
Oh , no , I'm back to reading fiction too, I been busy w/ work ect. Do come back soon .
 
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