Chapter 22

He had to hold Calista’s hand tightly this time. He would tell her how much he missed her.

Ken drove to the location Ian had indicated. A shuttle bus was parked there, as promised. Ignoring the stop sign, he hurried onto the bus, finding it empty except for the driver, who was speechless. “This is a private shuttle, sir. I can’t let you on.”

Ken’s heart sank. “Please,” he begged, “is there a girl named Calista at your base?”

The driver shook his head. “Sir, you’ll have to leave. I don’t know anyone by that name.”

Dejected, Ken stepped off the bus and wandered aimlessly. Where was Calista?

Then, he saw a figure resembling Calista in the crowd. His heart raced. He hurried forward, calling, “Calista! Calista!”

“Spring’s almost here; let’s get you some new outfits,” Henry chattered beside her. “And let’s stock up on those cakes you love.”

Calista was distracted. “What’s wrong? Are you alright?” Henry asked, noticing her absentmindedness.

Calista glanced back. “Henry, I could have sworn I heard someone call my name.”

Henry looked, but saw no one. Smiling reassuringly, he said, “No one’s there, darling. You must have misheard.”

Frowning, Calista scanned the area again. It was deserted. She forced a smile. “You’re right. I imagined it.”

In his excitement, Ken bumped into a nearby stand, knocking over merchandise. “Hey! I’ve got to go! How much for everything? I’ll pay!”

The vendor refused to budge.

Ken, tightly gripping the vendor’s arm, insisted, “You knocked over my goods. You’re not leaving until you pay!”

Ken watched helplessly as Calista’s figure disappeared into the crowd. His heart ached.

After paying, Ken found no trace of Calista. He was devastated.

Clutching her photograph, he desperately asked passersby, “Have you seen this girl? Please, she just passed this way. I’m begging you…”

His frantic pleas made people wary. They assumed he was unstable and avoided him. Powerlessness washed over him. “Calista… where are you…” he whispered.

He suddenly remembered the base’s shuttle. He had to get back – maybe he could catch a ride with Calista!

But when he rushed back, the shuttle had left. He leaped into his car and sped after it. “Calista, wait for me!”

The couple in the shuttle remained oblivious. Calista admired her new Louis Vuitton purchases.

Arriving home, Calista rushed to try on her new clothes while Henry tidied the living room.