The Woman She Bumped With

Later on that evening, he returned. As far as anyone could tell, I had a normal morning routine this morning. As if I hadn't gone through his stuff without asking.

We did, in fact, go out for dinner as he had said.

Watching the city at night kept me occupied. This was previously completely out of my reach. I've been locked up in the house and am not allowed to leave. Even after all this time, I still find the view to be breathtaking.

”What did you do in the unit?”

When he asked me that, I was taken aback. To think that he already knew about my morning activities caused me to gasp.

”Did you get bored?” he added.

That's a weight off my shoulders, finally. I assumed he was referring to the minor infraction I committed.

I gave a small grin and a slight head shake. After what I've done, I can't bear to look him in the eye, so I avert my gaze. My opinion of him would change permanently. When I first met him, I assumed he was simply another wealthy businessman, but I soon learned otherwise.

I have to get some more details from him.  I need to know more.

We stopped into a hotel, it’s a different hotel than we went before. This is more aloof and looking more classy and luxurious. Five star hotel, I bet? I experienced being on one before and that’s when a business man hired me for days. So this is not surprising for me.

There was complete and utter silence as we dined. If he ever questioned me, I would give him evasive answers. I don't think he expects me to give him a dissertation, so I guess that'll suffice. It's a bit odd to see him not always glued to his phone.

"Get a phone, I think you need one."

It caught me off guard. I was taken aback that he said that so abruptly. This was an unexpected turn of events, and I had no idea he was going to say that. As a result, he became even more enigmatic. The arrangement is unlawful. My question is why he would trust me with a personal phone in the first place.

”P-phone?” my voice has a hint of amusement. Damn. I shouldn’t be this happy.

He nodded his head slightly and his lips trembled. As though considering my reaction, he stares at me closely.

”Yes. So that I can check on you whenever I’m out.” he said.

With elation, my heart leaped. That means I can stop sneaking into his office to stealthily search for the files I need. A faint grin crossed my face as I saw his fiery eyes shine with feelings I couldn't decipher.

”And so you can do things more personally.”

”Hmm?”

I don’t know why his words seem to have a hint of something. Or was I mistaken? He just removed his eyes on me and cleared his throat. I swear, I got nervous.

He looked down at his phone and said, "I'll let my secretary purchase you one at the mall."

”Mall?”

This tone of humor is not fake. Is my honesty too bare? He looked at me for an instant.

”Yes. Mall.”

I forced a grimace of disapproval onto my face and nodded.

”You haven’t been into one?” he asked curiously.

I shook my head gently and blinked rapidly. My cheeks are starting to get warm. Is this really something I should feel ashamed of? No!

With gaping mouth he just stared at me. I ignored him and pretended not to see him while I ate.

"Do you want to go to the mall then?"

As I raise my head, I ponder. His kind remarks have made my day. His lips are twitching in what appears to be a smile, but that's the least of my worries right now.

”We should go and buy you a phone.”

”Really?” I said happily.

He pursed his lips and nodded. “Though, there may be a lot of people. Will you be alright?”

My brows furrowed. “Of course!”

Seeing a new place is the only thing on my mind. Lulu often painted vivid pictures when she told me about the malls she'd visited. I've also read about it in books and seen it on TV.

”Or we can wait until closing time and we’ll shop when there’s no people.”

I shook my head harshly. “I’ll be okay.” I smiled.

I was filled with anticipation as he made some calls after that. Should he not stop treating me so well? Okay. I admit, this is something to be thankful of him but I can’t still be indulgent of him. What if there is something we can do in return for all our nice deeds?

I brushed off all the nasty thoughts when we got at the mall. Like a child, I let my eyes wander aimlessly across the vast expanses of the mall. Guards are stationed merely around the places so we will not draw many people while guarding us. The point is well taken. Compared to the malls I've seen on TV, this one has a far larger throng. But isn’t malls intended to be like this?

Aciel on the other side of me was merely silent while touching the small of my back guiding me into the direction I’m not familiar with.

”There’s nothing much in here. Soon I’ll bring you to a different mall. Much better than this.” he whispered in my ears. There’s still much better than this? But this is enough for me though.

Given that I was too distracted by the mall to question his direction, I decided to go along for the ride. The same as what I see on TV. True first-hand experience must be much different from imagined scenarios.

The destination was a shop, and we've now arrived. Equipped with a wide variety of tools. There aren't any other humans around save us. Why? Because Elijah told them to. I only know he bought a phone and something else and handed the items to a security guard because he was the one who interacted with the salesperson. We made our purchase and left the store quickly.

”Are we leaving?” I asked. Cause I’m quite sad because that was too fast.

He glanced at me as he again touched the back of my waist. “I’m sorry. This place is crowded and it’s not safe for you to stay. We need to be fast. I’ll bring you here some other time.”

As I nodded and smiled regretfully, I didn't say anything. Absolutely, I get it. I really shouldn't expect too much. Even just catching a glance would be satisfying.

As we waited for his driver to drop off his car, we entered the lobby. I accompanied him to wait at his side as he talked on the phone. The sight of a friendly face caused me to freeze in place. When I saw her, I accidentally gaped.

”Lulu,” Only I can hear that call.

Even after she saw me, her eyes widened. I looked at him, hoping he'd get what I was saying. I can tell the guards' attention is on us. She was holding a stack of paper bags when she was nailed to the ground.

I cast a glance in the direction of Aciel, who was heading in the opposite direction to take a call. My stomach dropped and I met her eyes once again. I think she got it because when she glanced at Aciel, she looked at me pityingly, so I know she understood.

My teeth ground together in frustration. I wish I could have a conversation with her, but I know it's too much to hope for. When I asked her to leave, she didn't. Instead, I watched as she rummaged through her luggage and pulled out a sheet of paper. She looked at me, jotted something down, and then returned my gaze to the paper.

While still bewildered, I returned her nod. She steadied herself and came striding over to me. While she slammed into me, I cautiously glanced at the guards.

”Aww!” she grunted.

With such heightened awareness, I noticed the guard approaching us. Puzzled, I give her a puzzled expression. Until she glared at me with her eyes as she handed me the crumpled paper, I had no idea she was angry.

The guards shouted, "Hey!" at her.

Within seconds, I had snatched the paper out of her hand, and the guards had her arms held up and pulled away from me.

”Don’t touch me. That girl was on my way!” she acted.

”What happened?” I felt Aciel on my side.

My gaze swept across his troubled face. I clenched my fist and tightened my lips together as I crammed the paper. As I waited for the guards to release Lulu, I observed her behavior.

He enquired, "Were you hurt?"

I gave a dismissive shake of the head and pretended it never happened. After a long sigh, he ushered me into his car.

I turned my head into Lulu’s direction and with her hopeful eyes, I had hope.