๋࣭ ⭑⚝
Weekend Plans – Harriet's Apartment
The weekend had finally arrived — and with it, Harriet's excitement bubbled over.
Rufei's birthday was just around the corner, and she had been planning something special for months. Every small job she had taken, every expense she had carefully cut down, was for this — a surprise visit to Bromeley, where Rufei was currently staying for his job. She had booked her plane ticket with her hard-earned savings and now, she was buzzing with anticipation.
Harriet smiled as she zipped up her small suitcase, mentally ticking off everything she would need. She couldn't wait to see the surprised look on Rufei's face when he saw her standing at his door.
This time, everything was going to be perfect.
---
City Mall – Shopping for the Surprise
Harriet hummed softly as she browsed through the crowded mall, her heart light and happy. She needed a few last-minute things before her flight — a new dress, maybe some small gifts for Rufei.
She moved from store to store with a spring in her step, imagining their reunion: his stunned expression, his warm hug, the way he would smile that rare, soft smile meant only for her.
As she wandered into a store, her eyes accidentally caught sight of something — a black lace lingerie set, displayed elegantly behind a glass counter.
Harriet's cheeks immediately flushed pink.
No no no, she thought, turning her head away quickly.
But her eyes betrayed her, sneaking one more glance. The lingerie was beautiful — delicate, seductive, and bold. She imagined, just for a fleeting second, how Rufei's eyes might darken with emotion if he ever saw her wearing something like that...
Her heart raced.
Maybe... just maybe... she thought shyly.
Biting her lip, and with a burst of courage, she grabbed the set, trying to act as casual as possible as she headed toward the checkout counter.
---
Fred's Arrival at the Mall
At the same time, Fred walked through the entrance of the mall, his hands casually shoved into the pockets of his dark coat. He was here for one reason only: he needed a new cologne. A small thing, but necessary for tonight's business meeting.
His tall figure and sharp features drew attention as he moved through the crowd, but Fred ignored it all with practiced indifference. His mind was elsewhere — drifting again, frustratingly, to a girl he shouldn't even be thinking about.
---
A small collision
Harriet, balancing several shopping bags and the precious bag carrying the black lace lingerie, hurried toward the escalators. Her mind was still a mess of nerves and excitement about her upcoming flight and, honestly, about Rufei seeing her in that lingerie.
In her rush, she didn't notice the man coming around the corner.
BAM.
She collided straight into Fred's solid chest.
Her bags flew from her hands, scattering around them — and worse, the lingerie bag flipped open.
The black lace piece slipped out, fluttering to the ground between them.
For a second, the world stood still.
Fred's cold eyes lowered the delicate black lace lying between them. His sharp gaze darkened immediately.
Behind him, a few boys who had witnessed the scene snickered shamelessly, whispering and laughing.
Fred's jaw tightened. His body tensed in irritation — Was she planning to wear that for someone?
An odd, hot irritation prickled under his skin.
Harriet, utterly mortified, quickly bent down to grab the lingerie, her face turning crimson. She stuffed it back into the bag without daring to meet his gaze.
"I-I'm sorry!" she blurted, bowing quickly.
Without waiting for a response, she rushed past him, her face burning.
Fred stood frozen for a moment, watching her small figure disappear into the crowd, her shopping bags swinging in her hands. His lips pressed into a hard line.
He didn't like the uncomfortable twist he felt in his chest.
And the thought of her… wearing something like that... for someone else?
He didn't like that either.
Fred's eyes remained cold as he stared at the spot where Harriet disappeared into the crowd. His jaw was clenched tight, an unfamiliar fury stirring inside him.
Without turning his head, he spoke sharply to the man standing a few feet behind him — one of his trusted bodyguards, who had followed him into the mall.
In a low, commanding voice, Fred ordered:
> "Find out who she's meeting.
Find out who that man is.
I want a full report — now."
His eyes burned with an intensity that left no room for questions.
The bodyguard stiffened. "Understood, boss."
Fred's hands curled into fists inside his coat pockets as he turned his gaze back to the direction Harriet had gone.
Fred remained standing there — tall, cold, and furious — the heavy weight of something unspoken hanging in the air around him.
---
To Be Continued...
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