I started the engine. I glanced at him—looked like he was starting his truck too, getting ready to leave.
Where am I even going? Whatever. I'll just let the car take me wherever.
I checked my phone on the passenger seat—no missed calls, no messages. A miracle. Maybe they haven't noticed I ran away yet.
I started driving. We passed by a lot of restaurants. Wow. There really are so many places to go in the city. So many buildings. I looked at my rearview mirror—he was still behind me, following. Oh, he's serious about following me. I smiled to myself. Who is this guy? Maybe he's just as bored as I am and has nothing better to do. Probably just killing time.
Then, a building caught my attention. A huge sign read Velvet Arcadia. Hmm… this looks promising.
The building's exterior is a seamless blend of glass, black marble, and brushed gold accents, rising four stories high with elegant symmetry. The entrance has a grand arched façade, with cascading waterfalls on either side. Wow, it's stunning.
I entered the parking lot and checked my rearview mirror again. The black pickup truck—still following me.
There were lots of empty parking spots—thank goodness. I saw Angelo park right next to Mom's car.
Ugh. Mom. I wonder what she's doing right now. Maybe she's so busy she hasn't even noticed I'm gone.
I stepped out of the car, heart pounding with excitement! I spotted Angelo too—he'd gotten out of his truck, leaning casually against the door with both hands in his pockets, that look on his face like he was proud of me. Why does it feel like that?
Wow. This is exactly what I imagined when Max told me stories—this is what I pictured a city building would look like.
As you step inside, the atrium opens up to a vast, domed ceiling made entirely of tinted glass, casting a warm, golden hue on the polished white floors below. Crystal chandeliers hang like stars from above.
My heart felt like it was leaping with joy! So many people, so many things to see. I didn't know where to go first. I looked behind me—Angelo was still there, eyes on me.
I walked up to him, grabbed his right hand, and pulled him along.
"W-wait. You're really excited, huh?"
I looked into his eyes, like the ocean, with a wide smile on my face.
"Of course," I replied. Still holding on to his strong, muscular arm—it felt like he could carry me with one hand.
Then I saw an ice cream shop. I stopped in front of it. The inside was beautiful. A pastel-colored wonderland—super cute.
But then I remembered… I didn't bring any money. I turned to him, sensing his gaze on me.
"You want ice cream?" he asked.
I couldn't let him know I didn't have money. That would be embarrassing. I shook my head and was about to walk away when suddenly, he walked into the shop.
I followed, intending to stop him—I was too shy to let him treat me again.
The shop smelled amazing—a mix of chocolate, strawberries, and other flavors I couldn't even name.
I saw Angelo talking to the cashier, handing over a black card. I tapped him to say we should go somewhere else, but he handed me a cone with strawberry ice cream—my all-time favorite.
Who are you? Why does it feel like you know me so well?
I smiled as I took the ice cream. He was smiling too, watching me.
"You didn't have to do this… you've already treated me to food earlier," I said, a little shy.
"It's nothing," he replied and walked out of the store.
I followed him, ice cream in hand. I was ridiculously happy. I almost wanted to cry from joy.
Then Angelo stopped—his phone rang again. He stepped aside to answer, but I could still hear him.
I pretended not to listen and enjoyed my strawberry ice cream—it was smooth, rich, and milky. It balanced the tartness of the strawberries with a buttery, velvety sweetness.
"Alright. Thanks. I got it," he said on the phone. He ended the call and shoved the phone into his pocket. His brows were furrowed, eyes scanning the area.
"We need to leave. Go home now," he said suddenly, walking toward the exit.
Wait—what? I haven't even explored the mall yet. This might be my only chance to see it. I want to make the most of it.
"Nn-no… why?" I asked.
He stopped and came back toward me. I sighed.
He took my left hand while I held my ice cream in the other. He didn't let go until we reached the parking lot.
"Go. Drive home. You're not safe here," he said, opening the car door and motioning for me to get in.