Hot Driver - S01 E08

Story 1 day ago

Hot Driver - S01 E08

Read Story: SEASON 1 EPISODE 8

Bennett’s Mansion – Thirty Minutes later

The mansion was unusually quiet.

Hazel paced the living room, her arms crossed, her face twisted with worry. Diana sat on the couch, her phone in her hand, her expression tense.

“I can’t believe you let him leave,” Hazel said, stopping to glare at Ivory, who was standing by the staircase, ready to retreat to her room. “He had no car, no money, and it’s dark outside. What is wrong with you?!”

Ivory rolled her eyes. “He’s a grown man. He can take care of himself.”

“He’s our driver! He works for us! We have a responsibility—”

“I didn’t ask him to leave. He chose to walk out like a stubborn child.”

Diana sighed, rubbing her temples. “Ivory, that’s not the point. The point is that he was out there alone, and we didn’t even think to offer him a ride. I sent a guard to bring him back with my car a few minutes ago. Hopefully, he’ll find him.”

Ivory scoffed. “You’re all overreacting. He’s fine. He’s probably already home, laughing at how dramatic this family is.”

Hazel opened her mouth to argue when Diana’s phone rang.

Diana answered immediately. “Yes? Did you find him?”

The guard’s voice on the other end was urgent. “Ma’am, I found the new driver. He’s unconscious on the road. There’s blood—a lot of it. I’m taking him to Creston General Hospital right now.”

Diana’s face went pale. “What?! Is he—is he alive?”

“He’s breathing, ma’am, but he’s badly hurt. I’ll call you when I know more.”

The call ended.

Diana stared at her phone, her hands trembling.

Hazel’s face went white. “Mum? What happened?”

Diana looked up. Her voice was barely a whisper. “Duane was hit by a car. He’s unconscious. They’re taking him to the hospital.”

Hazel gasped. “WHAT?!”

Ivory, who had been halfway up the stairs, stopped on the middle step. Her hand gripped the railing.

For a moment, something flickered in her eyes. Surprise? Concern? Guilt?

Then it was gone.

She continued climbing the stairs without looking back.

“I’m going to bed,” she said flatly. “There’s nothing I can do.”

Hazel stared after her. “Are you serious?! He could be dying, and you’re just going to sleep?!”

Ivory didn’t respond. She disappeared into her room and closed the door.

Hazel turned to her mother. “How can she be so cold?”

Diana shook her head. “She’s not cold, Hazel. She’s scared. She just doesn’t know how to show it.”

“She’s not scared of anything.”

“Everyone is scared of something. Your sister’s fear is feeling responsible for someone else’s pain.” Diana grabbed her purse. “Come on. We’re going to the hospital.”

—

Creston General Hospital – Night

The hospital was bright and sterile. The smell of antiseptic hung in the air. Nurses moved quickly through the hallways, their footsteps echoing on the linoleum floors.

Diana and Hazel walked into the emergency room, their faces tight with worry.

A doctor approached them. “Mrs. Bennett?”

“Yes. How is he?”

The doctor smiled reassuringly. “He’s stable. He has a broken arm, some bruises, and a mild concussion. He lost some blood, but we’ve stopped the bleeding. He’s still unconscious, but we expect him to wake up soon.”

Hazel let out a breath she didn’t realize she was holding. “He’s going to be okay?”

“He should make a full recovery. He’ll need to rest for a few days, but he’s young and healthy. He’ll be fine.”

Diana pressed her hand to her chest. “Thank God.”

Hazel looked toward the room where Duane was lying. “Can we see him?”

“Just for a few minutes. He needs rest.”

They walked into the room.

Duane lay on the hospital bed, his face pale, his arm bandaged and elevated. There was a small cut on his palm, and dark circles under his eyes. He looked… vulnerable. Smaller than he did when he was standing tall and unbothered.

Hazel’s eyes welled up. “He looks so… hurt.”

Diana placed a hand on her daughter’s shoulder. “He’s going to be okay, Hazel. The doctor said so.”

“But what if he wasn’t? What if he had died out there? All because we didn’t help him.”

“We did help him. We sent someone to find him. He’s here now. That’s what matters.”

Hazel wiped her eyes. “I’m glad he’s okay.”

Diana nodded. “Me too.”

They stood there for a few more minutes, watching Duane’s chest rise and fall with each breath. Then they turned and left.

—

Bennett’s Mansion – The Next Morning

Ivory woke up early.

She lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. She hadn’t slept well. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw Duane’s face. The way he’d looked at her before he walked out. The way he’d said those words.

Poor church rat.

She felt a twinge of something in her chest. Guilt? No. She didn’t feel guilt. She hadn’t done anything wrong. He was the one who walked out. He was the one who refused to stay. She wasn’t responsible for him.

She sat up, shaking off the feeling.

He’s fine. He’s probably already laughing about this. He’s too stubborn to stay down.

She got dressed, did her makeup, and walked downstairs.

Diana was in the kitchen, her phone in her hand.

“Morning, Mum,” Ivory said, reaching for a coffee.

“Ivory, wait.”

Ivory turned. “What?”

“I called the hospital this morning. Duane woke up. He’s conscious, and the doctor says he can leave tomorrow. But he needs to rest.”

Ivory shrugged. “Good for him.”

Diana’s eyes narrowed. “Is that all you have to say?”

“What else is there? He’s fine. He’ll be back to work soon. We can all stop pretending we care about a man we barely know.”

Diana opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, Ivory was already walking out

Ivory walked toward her car. she entered

A hand clamped over her mouth.

“Shh.”

Duane’s voice. Low. Calm. His bandaged palm pressed against her lips.

Ivory’s eyes went wide. She tried to pull away, but he held her firmly

His arm was bandaged, his face was bruised, and there was a cut on his forehead. But his eyes—those dark, infuriating eyes—were fixed on her with the same unbothered calm as always.

He should be in the hospital. What is he doing here?

“If you scream, I’m going to have to explain to your mother why I’m manhandling you,” Duane said, his voice barely a whisper. “And I’m not in the mood for that conversation.”

He released her.

Ivory stumbled backward, her eyes blazing with fury. “What the hell are you doing?! You’re supposed to be in the hospital!”

“I was,” Duane said. “But I got bored.”

“Bored?!” Ivory questioned coming out of the car

“Lying in a hospital bed is boring. Also, I figured you’d need someone to drive you crazy, sorry… to work.”

Ivory stared at him. “You have a broken arm. You have a concussion. You should be resting!”

“I’ll rest when I’m dead.”

Duane turned to look at her. His expression was calm, but there was something in his eyes—something sharp and unyielding.

“Get in the car,” he repeated. “Or I’ll carry you.”

Ivory’s mouth fell open. “You wouldn’t dare.”

“Try me.”

They stared at each other for a long moment.

Then Ivory got in the car.

She slid into the back seat, her arms crossed, her face twisted with anger.

Duane got into the driver’s seat. He started the engine, adjusted the mirror, and pulled out of the driveway.

“You have nothing to say to me?” Ivory asked, her voice dripping with venom.

Duane glanced at her in the mirror. “What do you want me to say?”

“I don’t know. Maybe an apology for making me look like a fool?”

Duane snorted. “An apology? You want an apology from me? You’re the one who threw me out of your house.”

“You walked out on your own.”

“You didn’t exactly stop me.”

“Because I didn’t care if you left!”

“Right.” His voice was flat. “You don’t care. You don’t care about anyone but yourself.”

Ivory’s face flushed. “How dare you—”

“I’m just stating facts.” He turned the wheel smoothly. “You’re a rude, arrogant, self-centered brat who thinks the world revolves around you. You insult people without a second thought, you treat your employees like garbage, and you can’t stand it when someone doesn’t bow to your every whim.”

Ivory was speechless.

She wanted to argue. She wanted to scream. But the words wouldn’t come.

“Get out of the car,” Ivory said finally.

“I’m driving.”

“I said get out.”

“You said get out. I heard you. I’m not getting out.”

“I’ll have you fired!”

“Go ahead.” Duane’s voice was calm. “Call your father. Tell him I’m insolent and rude. He’ll fire me, I’ll go back to my boring life, and you’ll never have to see me again.”

Ivory’s hands clenched into fists.

She didn’t have an answer.

—

Ivy Fashion Empire – Lobby – Morning

Ivory walked into the lobby, her heels clicking against the marble floor. Her face was thunderous. Her eyes were blazing.

Duane followed behind her, his expression calm, his bandaged arm tucked against his side.

Ivory stopped and turned to face him.

“Stay here,” she said coldly. “Don’t talk to anyone. Don’t look at anyone. Don’t breathe in anyone’s direction.”

“Don’t worry,” Duane said pleasantly. “I’ll be perfect.”

Ivory glared at him. Then she turned and walked toward the elevator.

The employees scattered.

Ivory pointed at one of the interns. “You! Your shirt is untucked. Do you think this is a playground?”

“Ms. Bennett—”

“I don’t want excuses. Fix it. Now.”

The intern scrambled away.

Ivory pointed at another employee. “Your hair. It’s messy. Did you run here?”

“Ms. Bennett—”

“I don’t want to hear it. Go to the bathroom and fix it. And if I see it like that again, you’re gone.”

“And you!” Ivory pointed at a man near the coffee station. “What’s that tie? Did you pick it off the street?”

His face went red. “No, Ms. Bennett—”

“Then what is it? Some cheap copy? You work at Ivy Fashion Empire. You represent luxury. And you’re wearing that?”

“I’ll change it tomorrow—”

“You’ll change it now. Go home. Come back with something that doesn’t offend me.”

He hurried away.

Ivory took a deep breath. She felt a little better. She walked toward the elevator.

Behind her, Duane watched. His expression was unreadable.
—

Smiley’s Restaurant – Morning

Sloane was in the kitchen, checking the inventory. Her face was drawn. Her shoulders were tense.

The restaurant was empty.

It had been empty all morning.

She walked out into the dining area. There were a few customers—maybe four or five. They were sitting at a table, talking quietly.

Sloane walked over to them. “Is everything okay?”

One of the customers looked up. “Sloane, where’s Duane? He’s usually here by now.”

“He’s got another job now. He won’t be coming back.”

The customer frowned. “Oh. That’s a shame. He was always so friendly.”

Sloane forced a smile. “I know. I miss him too.”

She walked away, her heart heavy.

Ten customers had come in earlier. When they didn’t see Duane, they didn’t even sit down. They just turned around and left.

Sloane’s business was suffering.

She needed Duane.

But she wasn’t going to beg him to come back. He’d found something better. Something that paid more. Something that would give him a better life.

She had to let him go.

But it hurt.

—

Brooke Residence – Morning

Celeste walked through the front door.

Her face was red. Her eyes were puffy. Her body ached from the beating she’d endured the night before.

Luis was in the kitchen, eating a bowl of custard. He looked up when she entered.

“Mama, your face…”

“It’s nothing,” Celeste said quickly. “I’m fine.”

“You’re not fine. Your face is red. Your eye is swollen. Did someone hit you?”

“No, Luis. I told you. I’m fine.”

Luis stood up. “Who did it? Was it those people you work for? Was it them?”

“Luis, sit down.”

“I’m not going to sit down! They’re hurting you! I heard what you said about the maid they had before. The one who got beaten so badly she had to go to the hospital. It’s them, isn’t it?”

“Luis, I said sit down.”

Luis sat down.

Celeste walked over to him and placed a hand on his shoulder. “I’m fine. It’s just a little bruise. It’ll heal.”

He looked up at her. “You don’t have to go back there.”

“Yes, I do. I have to work. I have to pay the bills.”

“I can work more hours at the pet store.”

“You work enough. You’re a student. Your job is to focus on school.”

“But—”

“Luis. It’s okay.”

He was quiet for a moment. Then he said, “At least eat something before you go back.”

Celeste smiled. “I will.”

She sat down at the table. They ate the custard together. It was thin. Watery. But it was something.

—

Ivy Fashion Empire – Ivory’s Office – Afternoon

Ivory’s office was chaos.

She was in the middle of a meeting with her design team, reviewing the new collection. The designs were beautiful—elegant, sophisticated, luxurious. Everything she wanted her brand to be.

“This is incredible,” she said, holding up a sketch. “Who did this?”

A young designer shyly raised her hand. “I did, Ms. Bennett.”

Ivory studied the sketch. “This is exactly what I was looking for. The lines, the fabric, the cut. It’s perfect.”

The designer’s face lit up. “Thank you, Ms. Bennett.”

“Don’t thank me yet. We still have to execute it. But this is a good start.”

The meeting continued. Ivory was focused, sharp, demanding. She pushed her team to be better, to work harder, to create something exceptional.

When the meeting ended, she leaned back in her chair.

Her mind drifted.

Duane.

She shook off the thought.

—

Lobby – Afternoon

Duane was sitting in the lobby, his arm still bandaged, his expression calm. He was trying to rest, but his mind was elsewhere.

A young woman approached him.

She was beautiful—curvy, with long dark hair and a warm smile. Her name tag read “Beauty.”

“Hi,” she said, her voice soft and friendly.

Duane looked up. “Hello.”

“I’m Beauty. I work in the marketing department.” She extended her hand. “I heard you’re the new driver.”

Duane shook her hand. “Yeah. I’m Duane.”

“It’s nice to meet you.” She smiled. “I was wondering… would you like to be friends? You know, grab coffee sometime?”

Duane smiled back. It was a small smile, but genuine. “Sure. That sounds nice.”

Beauty’s face lit up. “Great! I’ll text you—oh, wait. I don’t have your number.”

“Let me—”

“Duane!”

The voice cut through the lobby like a whip.

Ivory was standing at the elevator, her eyes blazing. Her gaze fixed on Beauty and Duane. Beauty’s face went red, and she quickly stepped back.

“Ms. Bennett—”

“Go back to your desk, Beauty. Now.”

Beauty hurried away.

Ivory walked toward Duane, her heels clicking against the floor. Her expression was cold, her lips pressed into a thin line.

“Flirting with my employees now?” she said. “You’re really something, Brooke.”

Duane looked up at her. “She introduced herself. I introduced myself.”

“You’re my driver. You don’t get to introduce yourself. You don’t get to make friends. You don’t get to do anything except drive me where I need to go.”

“Looks like you just did my job for me.”

“I’m not doing your job. I’m telling you your place.”

Duane stood up. He was taller than her. He looked down at her with the same unbothered expression.

“I know exactly where my place is, Ms. Bennett,” he said calmly. “But I don’t think you know yours.”

Ivory’s face flushed with anger. “What is that supposed to mean?”

“It means you’re a boss. Not a queen. You don’t get to control everyone’s life just because you have money.”

“Get in my office. Now.”

“Gladly.”

—

Ivory’s Office

Ivory slammed the door behind him.

“You think you’re so clever,” she snapped. “You think you can just walk in here and do whatever you want.”

“Don’t you have work to do?” Duane asked flatly. “Or are you just going to use me as a punching bag for your bad mood?”

“I’m in a perfectly good mood.”

“Really? Because you look like you just ate a lemon.”

Ivory’s eyes narrowed. “You’re impossible. You know that?”

“Yeah. I get that a lot.”

She sat down at her desk, her jaw tight.

“Why are you still here?” Ivory’s voice was tired.

“You’re the one who asked me to come up.”

“No. I asked you to come to my office. I didn’t ask you to stay.”

Duane sighed. He was tired. His arm was throbbing. He didn’t have the energy to keep fighting.

“Are you done?” he asked.

“I’m not done. I’m just getting started.”

“Then get started. But don’t expect me to stand here while you insult me.”

Ivory glared at him. For a moment, she didn’t say anything.

Then she said, “I’m not done with you.”

“Good,” Duane said. “Because I’m not done with you either.”

“make me coffee, make itt better than yesterday’s” No she wasn’t gonna admit that the coffee he made yesterday was so good

He walked out of the office, leaving Ivory speechless.

—

MBS – Ron and Maeve’s Office – Afternoon

The office was dark, the blinds drawn. Ron and Maeve were locked in a passionate embrace on the leather couch, their lips tangled, their hands exploring. it isn’t new they make up in their office

The door opened.

A secretary stood in the doorway, her eyes wide. “I—I’m so sorry—”

“What is it?!” Maeve snapped, pulling away from Ron.

“Ma’am, I just received word from the fashion reviewer. They’ve chosen to favor Ivy Fashion Empire’s designs over ours. They said their collection is—”

“It’s what?”

The secretary hesitated. “They said it’s more innovative and—”

Maeve threw a paperweight across the room. It crashed against the wall, missing the secretary’s head by inches.

“GET OUT!” Maeve screamed. “GET OUT!”

The secretary fled.

Ron sat up, his expression irritated. “We’ll just have to find another reviewer.”

Maeve turned to him, her eyes blazing. “This is her fault. Everything is her fault. She’s been sabotaging us since day one.”

Ron sighed, pulling her into his arms. “We’ll figure it out.”

“I don’t want to figure it out. I want her to lose. I want her to fall. I want her to feel as small and worthless as she made us feel.”

Ron kissed her forehead. “She will. I promise.”

Maeve closed her eyes. They continued their romance

Ivory Bennett. Her name was poison in Maeve’s mouth.

—

Bennett’s Group of Companies – Meeting Room – Afternoon

Diana Bennett sat at the head of the table, her phone in her hand. Around her, a group of executives discussed quarterly earnings, projections, and strategies. She nodded along, but her mind was elsewhere.

The hospital had called.

They couldn’t find Duane.

Diana’s heart was heavy. She’d already lost enough sleep worrying about him.

Her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen.

The hospital.

She answered immediately. “Yes? Did you find him?”

“I’m sorry, Mrs. Bennett. He’s not in his room. We’ve searched the entire hospital. He seems to have discharged himself.”

“What? How?”

“He’s a grown man, Mrs. Bennett. He signed himself out and left.”

Diana closed her eyes. “Thank you for letting me know.”

The call ended.

Diana sighed in relief.

—

Prestige High School – Cafeteria – Noon

The cafeteria was packed with students, their voices overlapping into a constant buzz.

Hazel and Emilia sat at separate tables, both filming themselves eating lunch.

Hazel’s phone was propped up against a water bottle. She took a bite of her pasta and smiled at the camera.

“Hey, everyone! It’s lunchtime here at Prestige High. I’m having pasta, which is my absolute fave.”

She talked and laughed, occasionally responding to comments. Her viewer count was rising fast.

Across the room, Emilia was doing the same thing. But her viewer count wasn’t matching Hazel’s.

Emilia’s eyes narrowed.

She looked around the cafeteria. Her eyes landed on Mitchell.

He was sitting alone, eating a simple lunch of bread and water. But his face—damn, his face was beautiful.

A scholarship student.

Poor.

But he had a face that could get him anywhere.

Emilia smiled. She wants him

She needed to figure out a way to get him on her livestream. If she could get Mitchell’s face on camera, she’d get thousands of views. She’d finally beat Hazel.

—

Ivy Fashion Empire – Lobby – Afternoon

Ivory walked out of the elevator, her face tired, her heels clicking against the floor.

Duane was waiting in the lobby. He stood up when she approached.

“You ready?” he asked.

“Let’s go.”

Ivory got into the car. Duane closed the door. He walked around to the driver’s side and got in.

But as he shifted into drive, he winced.

Ivory saw it. She wanted to ignore it but she just decided to fake a little concern.

“Your arm,” she said flatly.

“It’s fine.”

“No, it’s not. You’re bleeding through the bandage.”

“I said it’s fine.”

“Duane.” She was surprised by the sharpness in her own voice. “You need to change your bandage.”

“I’ll do it when I get home.”

“Home? You’re staying at the mansion tonight. My mother wouldn’t allow you to leave again.”

Duane’s jaw tightened. He hated that she was right. But he wasn’t about to admit it.

“Just drive,” she said. “And try not to crash. I’d rather not be in another accident.”

“It wasn’t my fault.”

“Pull over.”

“What?”

“Pull over now.”

Duane pulled over.

Ivory looked at him. “Let me see your arm.”

“It’s fine—”

“I said let me see it.”

Duane stared at her. She looked almost concerned. but he could see the fakery, so obvious

Carefully, he pulled up his sleeve. The bandage was soaked with blood. It had seeped through the fabric.

Ivory’s face paled. “Your arm needs to be treated. Did you change the bandage at the hospital?” Ivory asked sarcastically

“No. I left before they could.”

“Are you insane?! You could get an infection!”

“I’ve had worse.”

She stared at him, completely lost for words.
—

Bennett’s Mansion – Evening

The car pulled into the driveway.

Duane got out first. His arm was throbbing. The pain was getting worse.

Hazel ran out the front door. “Duane!”

She hugged him, squeezing tight around his shoulders.

Duane winced—just barely—but Hazel felt it.

“Oh my God—your arm—”

“It’s fine,” Duane said, stepping back. “I’m fine.”

“You’re bleeding!”

Diana walked out of the house, her eyes wide when she saw Duane’s arm.

“Duane, your arm—”

“I’ll take care of it,” he said quickly.

Ivory got out of the car and walked past him toward the mansion.

“Goodnight, everyone,” she said flatly.

“Hold it,” Diana said. “Ivory, you’re going to clean his wound.”

Ivory froze. “What?”

“You heard me. You were the one who argued with him and threw him out last night. So you take responsibility. The first aid kit is in the hallway, and Duane is going to stay in your room tonight to rest. You’ll stay there and watch over him.”

Ivory’s face went red with fury. “Mum, are you serious?!”

“Dead serious.”

Ivory couldn’t argue. She knew her mother was right. She cared a little but she wasn’t gonna touch him, talk more of touching his wound, the thought alone make her wanna puke. But She had no choice so she just went to her room, boiling with rage. Duane followed with bleeding arm.

—

TBC