Gwenda was stuck in a traffic jam and arrived at the airport well past their agreed-upon meeting time. She hurried inside, fearing Olivier had left, but to her surprise, he was still waiting in the arrivals hall. Her heart trembled with trepidation. After composing herself, she approached him.

"Sorry, I was caught in a traffic jam. Have you been waiting long?"

Hearing her gentle voice, Olivier looked up at her flushed face. His heart squeezed as he embraced her.

"Yeah. I've been waiting so long my legs are sore."

Otto, observing from a distance, muttered incredulously, "Boss knows how to fawn? I'm definitely blinded by this sappiness."

Gwenda, embarrassed, pulled away. "Shall we go, then?"

"My legs are sore," Olivier said, leaning close.

As their breaths mingled, Gwenda's heart quickened. She composed herself, tilting her head. "How about I find you a wheelchair?"

Olivier was startled, then smiled resignedly. Sighing, he said, "Is it really that hard to get you closer to me?"

Gwenda's ears flushed. "This isn't close enough?"

"I want to be closer."

Gwenda froze, her heart feeling numb with embarrassment. She was at a loss.

Olivier enjoyed her reaction, a smug grin spreading across his face. He released her. "I brought you a present." He produced a gift box. "Open it. See if you like it."

"I'll look at it at home," Gwenda murmured.

"I want you to see it now!"

Helpless against his stubbornness, she opened the box revealing a beautiful necklace.

"Do you like it?" Olivier put it on her. "I picked it specifically. The clerk said it's the latest model, girls love it." His calloused fingers brushed her skin, warm and electrifying.

Gwenda's heart raced.

"Do you like it?" he repeated, his breath warming her skin.

Gwenda nodded. "Yes."

"So, wear it every day. Okay?" He gazed at her affectionately, playing with a lock of her hair.

"Okay I mean, no!" Gwenda almost succumbed before changing her mind.

Olivier raised an eyebrow. "You're not allowed to refuse, or I'll kiss you right now."

"Fine" Gwenda nodded.

Satisfied, Olivier patted her head. "Good. Let's go."

"Let's go," Gwenda urged, feeling suffocated.

"Right, we shall." Olivier took her hand and pulled her towards the exit.

At the airport gate, a crowd of fans swarmed their idol, clamoring for autographs and pictures. Gwenda barely registered them.

Just as she was about to enter the car, she heard a scream. "Help!"

Gwenda started. "What happened?"

Otto glanced at the commotion. "Someone's been assaulted. Miss Evans, please get in the car."

Olivier shielded Gwenda. "Get in the car."

They sped away. Gwenda watched the chaotic scene outside—a tumult of shouting, crying, and running security guards. She squinted, trying to see better, and noticed a red figure in the crowd