The smile she shared with the old storekeeper was still on her face as she strolled back home. The sun had set long ago, leaving a soft glow in the air, turning everything into a warm amber hue that seemed so welcoming compared to the dark of night. It was a welcome change after the sunny afternoon.Her steps were slow and deliberate, enjoying this rare moment of solitude, as she headed down one of her favorite streets where she would normally have no chance to stop for more than a few minutes. She knew everyone who lived here; she could walk through the entire block without having to pass anyone else.Earlier in the morning, she had woken up to a message from the Stanleys asking her to take the day off. Her suspicion had risen concerning Jayden's weird task conversation from a few days ago but her mind had been at ease when there were no words or any form of disturbances from him.It was a rare free time for her and so she had seized up the opportunity to shop for groceries

"This doesn't look like a clinic," was her first utterance as Maria stepped out of the vehicle, her eyes scanning a building that looked too sophisticated for a health center. It was a huge structure, made of marble and glass, with a large frontage and a grand staircase leading up to the main entrance. There was a large glittering sign hanging above the large doors that read 'Glamorous You'. From where she came from, health centers shouldn't look that fancy."It isn't." Jayden clarified before she even got to ask and came down from the car as well. "This is a beauty and fashion house, the best in town." He added with pride, holding his arm wide to encompass all the opulent buildings behind him.Maria already figured it out judging by the look of it but still couldn't help but get stunned by his nonchalant revelation. She couldn't believe he was unsympathetic about playing her for a fool twice. She turned to face him instantly, her blue hues blinking in annoyance. "Why would w

Maria took a sip of her glass, observing the atmosphere around her. She could see several couples slow dancing on the dance floor, while others were mingling and conversing with each other. Some people sat at tables, indulging themselves in drinks and food. There were also some families having a good time together, laughing and having fun. She couldn't deny the attention their table received. They all seemed to whisper one or two things after stealing glances in their direction. Most of the time, they stared at her with perplexed and curious expressions. Judging by their body language, she knew they were all wondering who she was since they couldn't easily search her on the internet to get the needed information and also had no guts to question Jayden himself about the woman he had brought to the event. "Are you hungry? Do you crave anything? Or perhaps you want to try another drink?" Jayden's voice drew her attention away from the party's venue and back to their table whe

Maria freed herself from Jayden's grasp, refusing to let him drag her any further, making him halt his steps likewise and face her with a questioning gaze. "Are we leaving now?" She asked, apparently tired of the party, wishing she could return home as soon as possible.His gaze lingered before speaking as if he was memorizing her features. "After dinner."She blinked. Was his dinner offer still available? She hadn't expected him to extend the invitation again, not after rejecting it the first time. "...Dinner?""Yes. I have a business dinner soon, the most important reason why I had chosen to attend this time-wasting event." He explained, his eyes narrowing into slits as he watched her.Her eyes drifted from his face after his words, finding herself stupid for actually thinking he would invite her to dinner just because he wanted to be nice. Of course, he wasn't being kind or generous. It was all about business."And you want me to join you?" She finally answered and he nod

The water was cold, chilling her entire body like an icy hand. It wasn't pleasant, but the fear of any more harm happening to Jayden than he already suffered was all she could focus on now. It had her drowning herself deeper in its merciless coldness, her body swimming with speed to reach the bottom, following Jayden down as her vision blurred with panic.He had been unconscious since the moment she had found him submerged, after several attempts to keep himself afloat. She reached nearer, grabbing under his arms from behind right before his body landed on the ceramic base, and began to swim them both towards the surface. During her strenuous swimming, her blurry vision found two new bodies jumping into the depths of the water, coming towards them with a determination to help, which made her gasp in relief; she had barely reached the surface yet her muscles were already crushed with fatigue. She knew it was her fault for jumping into the water impulsively to save him, but