A Millionaire Rides Bus Daily To Avoid Traffic, Not Knowing He’ll Soon Fall For Woman Next To Him
The Encounter on the Express Lane
Caleb Montgomery adjusted the cuff of his tailored navy suit, glancing at the growing line for the bus. This wasn’t his usual mode of transportation; far from it. He had three luxury cars sitting in his penthouse garage, a driver on call, and access to a private helicopter.
But none of those options could get him to his office faster during rush hour. The bus had an express lane slicing through the gridlock like a knife through butter. It was efficient, predictable, and most importantly saved him from wasting hours stuck in his Bentley.
As the bus rolled up, he stepped inside, scanning for an open seat. That’s when he saw her. A woman sat near the window, her dark brown hair falling in loose waves over her shoulders.
She wasn’t dressed in designer clothes like the women he usually encountered at high-end events. Instead, she wore a simple blouse and jeans, her sneakers tucked under the seat. As she flipped through a well-worn paperback, something about her was effortlessly captivating.
A rare opening beside her made his decision easy. He slid into the seat, his broad shoulders brushing against her slightly. She barely spared him a glance. That was new.
Most women recognized him instantly as Caleb Montgomery, CEO of Montgomery Enterprises, a millionaire with a reputation for being ruthless. But this woman didn’t look at him twice. It was intriguing.
The bus jerked forward, and he caught a faint whiff of vanilla from her hair. He wasn’t the type to start conversations with strangers, but something about her made him want to.
“You always take this route?” he asked casually.
She turned her head slightly, her hazel eyes meeting his. “Yeah, every morning.”
Her voice was soft but confident, a tone that suggested she wasn’t easily impressed.
“I’m Caleb,” he said, offering his hand.
She hesitated for a moment before shaking it. “Sophia Sinclair.”
Sophia. It suited her. The bus hit a pothole, making her grip tighten around his. She pulled away quickly, tucking her hands into her lap as if embarrassed.
“Not a fan of public transportation?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.
He chuckled, the deep sound surprising even himself. “It’s growing on me.”
She smirked—no, not a smirk, but a genuine, amused smile. “Right. You look like the kind of guy who usually has a driver waiting outside some glass tower.”
She wasn’t wrong. “And you look like the kind of person who makes a habit of judging strangers,” he countered. Her lips twitched.
The bus ride continued in a surprisingly comfortable silence. Caleb found himself stealing glances at her, noticing the way she tucked her hair behind her ear or tapped her fingers against the book’s cover.
When they reached her stop, she stood up, gripping the strap of her bag. “See you around, Caleb.”
She said his name like it was nothing, like she had no idea who he was. For some reason, that made him want to see her again. As she disappeared, he realized he was looking forward to his morning commute.
