icturesque view of a vibrant patio brimming with blossoms. The tranquillity hung in the air,

sweets," he greeted with a

d with a smile. A thorough inspection revealed a stark con

sted, provoking a hearty laugh from me. The man certainly knew how to bri

"Let's have a seat, and I'll find something to fill our appetites," befo

diating from his smiling visage. I pointed to a man s

my brother,"

at, but she's away on a business trip, and I usually resort to takeout," he pouted

seat beside me. We made our selections and set the phone asid

ashing off to a room. I bit my lip, bracing myself. Sa

is your face swollen?" he inqui

ing his gaze. He gently tended to my bruises; his touch soo

to burden him with my family troubles. I couldn't bear his pity. The tears flo

hold back any longer and embraced him tightly. His reassuring pats on my back

we'd known each other for just two days, he'd already b

ou promised me you wouldn't let anyone bull

to them," I admitt

elf, Anastasia," he

y childhood, family, dreams, and aspirations. He listen

to stick to the hal

and threw me out of

u. Try to stand up to her," he ur

elder," I replied. My parents had

ter, we forgot a

and he promptly went to answer it. After s

nk with the pizz

ll do,"

and I arranged the

a movie on Netfl

s room, and we settled in to wat

t his endearing sight. Tomorrow, I'll have a bit of fun with Samar using this cute video. Maybe I'll even tease him and threaten to send it to all the girls he flirts with. S

g, sweets!"

ar," I replied. He

l like doing tod

ondered, considering my au

hts," Samar mused, his

some new clothes, and I'll grab some groceries for the house."

n't afford new c

"Consider these clothes a Valentine's Day

s," he pouted, rubbing his head,

get ready,"

ome eggs for breakfast. After a refreshing bath and neatly braiding my hair,

l? Impressive," I cheered as he

t let your sweet flirting fool me," I tea

announced with a flourish, pulling out my chair. I settled in,

rup over it, he p

hef Samar," he quipped. I took a bit

teased. He pouted in mock offense. We shared breakfast and then

e, I felt genuinely happy, relishing the taste of freedom. Upon arriving, he parked his BMW and

an eye for fashion, whereas I felt a bit out of my depth. He seemed to have a penchant for b

ing hungry," my

, and I'll handle the groceries,"

st as I approached a table, someone barge

ed. His words were unjust, considering he'd been engro

ized, not wanting to e

ailed from a well-to-do family, and I

" he sneered, gesturing to his shir

attracted a crow

sn't entirely my fault. I'd appreciate a bit of cou

know who I am

ee any Secret Service agents around,"

y fingers, but I won't," he threat

ce more abrasive

me 'girl.' I have a

" he warned before striding off. Handsome he may be, but that arrogance was insufferable. Standing at a lofty

place my order once more. My encounter with the man had cast a shadow over an otherwise delightful da

inquired with concern. "I

specially when it co

ths with an arrogant individual,

ht for that poor soul

ed under my breath. We settled into a corner, savouring our meal. The day ult

*****