A Chance Encounter.
Chapter 1.
Ludwig Beilschmidt took a long sip of his coffee before placing it back on the table, and turned the page of the open newspaper before him. He let his eyes skim the pages, not even taking in the words in front of him, it was always the same news recently anyway. Misery and heartbreak were always the topics the newspaper covered these days. As if people were not aware of the troubles in the world. Ludwig sighed tiredly. It had been far too long since he had been home, and it was certainly starting to take its toll on him. Recently it had begun to feel like his life was revolved around endless meetings and different hotel rooms, events and yet more meetings.
He sat back and ran a hand through his blonde hair, closing his blue eyes briefly. Ludwig had always been an ambitious man, and aimed to excel in anything he turned his hand to, which was mainly how he had managed to achieve this job.
Ludwig hadn't come from money, both his parents worked long and hard to pay for him and his brother, Gilbert, to have the best start in life. Every penny they could spare was spent on their education, from textbooks to extra tuition, both firm believers, that with a good education, they had a better chance to do anything they wished. He knew how difficult it was for them, when they were growing up, neither of them had even half of what they gave to the brothers, 'educated in the ways of life' they would always say. So it was only natural that his parents wanted a better life for their children, like any parent, they wanted them to do well with life, and to not have to go through similar struggles as they had.
After completing university with a range of top scores, Ludwig had begun working at a small computer firm, building server networks, fixing computers and other gadgets part-time. Initially it hadn't been his first choice after finishing his education, but, he knew how tough the climate was for the workforce. He was lucky to even get that job, considering everywhere he looked people seemed to be losing their jobs and business going into bankruptcy. The economy had taken a huge hit in the monetary sectors, and it hadn't taken long until everything was affected by it. Regardless, he still had rent to pay so he was grateful the job he had found, it was at least with something he enjoyed doing.
His own father had recently been made redundant after all those years he had worked at the factory. He had loved that job, even if it was only working on the production line. He always worked hard and put his soul into every single thing he did, no matter how trivial. Ludwig guessed that's where he had gained his work ethic and determination from. His father, a proud man, had always taught him and his brother that if they wanted anything in life they had to work hard and truly put their all into reaching their goals, no matter what their dreams may be. So for Ludwig it was one the most heart-breaking things, seeing how distraught his beloved father was when he had gotten the news of the redundancy.
Ludwig helped as much as he could. Took extra shifts at the computer shop and did the odd bar work when it was available, just to try and help his parents even a little. After all they had done so much for him. Any extra money he had managed to make, he always gave it to his mother and father. At first, neither of them would accept his offering. His father was so angry, his pride already damaged. The thought of taking money from his own son was an insult to him. However, eventually his mother finally accepted it. Reluctantly, but it had at least been able to cover some of the bills for that month.
The little computer shop was but a distant memory for him now. After about a year of applying for different jobs at numerous companies, Ludwig's hard work had finally paid off when he got a phone call back from one of his applications. He was told at his interview with the company INTELTECK how impressed they were with all of his qualifications and was shocked to hear about the job he was currently working in. Almost as quickly as he'd attended his interview he received the news that he'd received the position as a computer technician. The pay was far better than he had realised it could be for someone of his level in the company, the overtime was better and he finally felt himself taking that first step on the ladder of his career.
After that Ludwig had kept climbing up that ladder. Two years into working with the company, he became the senior support technician, training and leading his own team on different jobs they were required to attend. After five years, at the age of 25, he was now a leading CEO for INTELTECK; the youngest they had ever seen climb their ranks in such a short space of time. He had it all at his fingertips now; his monetary worries were gone, he now owned his own two bedroomed apartment, instead of the small bedsit he had lived in for many years, and it was in the best area the city had to offer. He had an all-expenses paid for company car and a prominent position. But with all the perks came a lot of responsibility. It was his job to secure new business contracts, which saw him travelling across the globe. With his reputation of managing to close the most difficult of deals, he truly was at the top of his game. Of course, with his hard-earned wealth he had made sure his parents were taken care of. Before he had even purchased his own apartment he bought them a lovely home to thank them for everything they had done for him. For their continued support and for making him the successful, hard-working honest man he was today.
Yet despite everything, Ludwig couldn't help but feel there was still something missing in his life. No amount of money could fix that hollow feeling, always at the back of his mind.
Finishing the last of his drink, he closed the newspaper and rose from the table, paying the waiter that had delivered him his bill. Ludwig always made sure the leave a decent enough tip whenever he was at a restaurant of café; to show his gratitude for the service he was given, and hopefully helping the person who had attended to him. It was a small gesture, but he felt like it meant something.
Picking up his black briefcase he finally made his way back onto the street and toward his next meeting, which would most likely take up the rest of his afternoon and evening. Mr Bonnefoy was a very important, yet extravagant client. Whenever there was a business meeting, the Frenchman always insisted in rounding off the day's discussions with copious amount of alcoholic beverages and entertainment, which always ran to the early hours of the morning. Yes, today was going to be yet another tiresome day.
True to Mr Bonnefoy's nature, he had arranged an entertained filled evening, very much to his own tastes. Ludwig loosened his tie slightly before reaching for his drink, glad for the chance to finally unwind a little. Looking around him, he could see that many of the other men were already relaxed and thoroughly enjoying the evening.
The Frenchman had always been a generous man in looking after his employees and business associates alike, and tonight he had booked the VIP section in an exclusive club for those who had attended the days meeting. The entertainment, shall we say, was very much to the Frenchman's taste. The club that they were currently at, was a well-known 'Gentleman's club', claiming to serve the finest music, wines and women in all of Paris.
It was a commonly known fact that Mr Bonnefoy had a weakness for women, and much to his company's disdain always seemed to end up embroiled in different scandals, that the tabloids loved printing so much. Ludwig could only guess, they only reason he still had a position at his company, was because he was extremely good at his job.
Relaxing back into the leather sofa he was currently sat at, he took a long drink, savouring the beverage.
"Ah Ludwig, mon ami, I hope you are enjoying yourself." A cheerful voice spoke, stirring his attention.
The Frenchman ran a hand through his wavy, shoulder length blond hair, whilst holding a glass of red wine in the other. He sat down, in the space next to Ludwig, and looked over at him smiling.
"Ah yes, thank you very much Mr Bonnefoy." He nodded placing his now empty glass upon the table in front of them. Whereas most of the men were drinking a variety of different and expensive wines, Ludwig's drink of choice was a cold refreshing beer; preferably a good German brand.
"S'il vous plait, Ludwig, call me Francis. After all, we are all friends here, non?" Francis finished the last of his wine and turned his attention to the stage. A remarkably beautiful woman was currently dancing to the music, gaining most of the patron's attention.
"Ah, les femme.,Vraiment une chose de beauté." He said gesturing toward the stage, and giving Ludwig a large grin. He could tell the Frenchman had had quite an amount of alcohol in his system already. He'd been out drinking with the man on many occasions, and had noticed, the more he drank, the more he slipped into his native tongue, forgetting that they usually used English to communicate for the benefit of their other colleagues. It was lucky that Ludwig, whilst at university, had taken many different language courses, so could understand what Francis was saying when he became rather inebriated.
"I notice we have both unfortunately finished our drinks, Francis. Allow me to get the next round; you have been more than generous as always, my friend." He offered preparing to make his way over to the bar area. Francis put his hand on Ludwig's arm, stopping him.
"Let me call the service to us! They are being paid plenty enough tonight!"
Ludwig smiled and shook his head, "I assure you it's no trouble. Red wine, was it?" Francis nodded happily, apparently already distracted by another scantily-clad female walking amongst the tables. He could just about make out in the dim light of the room that most of the other men were either talking, or otherwise, with different woman working in the club. The fact Ludwig was sat alone was probably when his colleague had chosen to come and converse with him, always the soul of any party, and a wonderful host. It wasn't that Ludwig didn't want any company; he admittedly just wasn't very good with interacting with people he didn't know outside of business matters. He couldn't help but chuckle quietly to himself. Maybe he should have spent some of those years, learning so people skills instead of diving head first into his work? Regardless, at the moment he was content enough with the thought of another beer, and attempting to keep Francis from any more trouble.
He reached the bar and rested his arm on the edge as he waited to be served, lost in his thoughts, when he noticed one of the barmen trying to get his attention. Blinking in confusion slightly, he quickly gained his composure.
"I was miles away, my apologises. May I have another red wine and an Oettinger beer for myself please?" He asked looking up at the smartly dressed, brown haired barman in front of gave Ludwig a warm smile.
"Of course, sir"
When his eyes met the hazel ones of the man before him, he had no idea that this chance encounter would turn his entire world upside-down.
A/N: Hope you enjoyed :)
Please feel free to review and such...if it wasn't too rubbish _
Translations:
S'il vous plait- Please
Non – No
Ah, les femmes, Vraiment une chose de beauté." – "Ah, women, truly a thing of beauty."
Oettinger – A German beer brand.