Chapter 4 Thank you

Zara's POV

Dumbfounded, I sank onto the cold pavement, my mind spiraling with unanswered questions. Why would Sandy do this to me? The words escaped my lips before I could stop them, dissolving into the evening air. I had nowhere to go, no one to turn to. But the gnawing emptiness in my stomach forced my thoughts to a halt. Food first-then I'd figure out the rest.

I ate in silence, each bite tasteless against the weight of my emotions. When I finished, I stood, slinging my bag over my shoulder, my eyes scanning the dimming streets for a place to rest. The city was winding down, the once-bustling sidewalks thinning as shops closed for the night. I walked aimlessly, my steps slow and heavy, until I found a small store preparing to shut its doors.

Maybe I can stay here for a while.

I hovered nearby, waiting, hoping the owner wouldn't notice me. The air grew thick, the scent of rain clinging to the breeze. Overhead, the sky darkened, clouds rolling in as distant thunder rumbled through the streets. A storm was coming.

People hurried past me, rushing to the safety of their homes, while I stood there, exposed, with nowhere to run. As soon as the store owner locked up and disappeared down the street, I slipped beneath the awning, pressing myself against the cool wall. It wasn't much, but at least it was shelter.

I pulled my bag closer, hugging it to my chest as the first drops of rain splattered against the pavement. The storm raged on, but I sat there, silent and still, swallowed by the night.

The rain pounded harder, each drop like tiny needles against my skin. The cold seeped through my clothes, making my body tremble uncontrollably. I pulled a coat from my bag, wrapping it tightly around me, but it was too thin to block out the biting wind. My teeth chattered violently, and my fingers felt numb.

Just when I thought I couldn't endure it any longer, a sleek black car pulled up in front of me. The headlights cut through the darkness, casting a sharp glow on the rain-slicked street. A horn blared, but I was too frozen to react. The driver's window rolled down, and a deep voice called out, "Are you okay?"

I couldn't even form the words to respond. My body was too stiff, my lips too frozen. Seeing my state, the driver stepped out, shielding himself with an umbrella. He walked toward me, his expression unreadable.

"This is not fine for you," he said, his voice firm yet gentle. Before I could protest, he reached down and picked up my bag. "Come in."

For a moment, I hesitated. Should I trust him? But the storm gave me no choice. My body was already giving up, and I had nowhere else to go. Without another word, I followed him.

He opened the car door and carefully placed my bag in the backseat. The warmth from inside the vehicle was almost intoxicating, and I sank into the seat, sighing in relief. He got in beside me, brushing the rain off his jacket before turning to look at me.

"Why would you be out there in this weather?" he asked, curiosity laced in his tone.

I swallowed hard, still shivering. "Thank you," I muttered, my voice barely above a whisper.

He nodded slightly, then asked, "Where are you heading?"

I stayed silent, unsure of what to say. His gaze lingered on me, patient but expectant.

"Where is your home?" he asked again, his voice softer this time.

I lowered my eyes, hugging myself for warmth. "I don't have a home," I admitted, my voice breaking slightly.

For a second, he said nothing. Then, a quiet "Oh" left his lips, almost like he hadn't expected that answer. He ran a hand through his hair, thinking. "Then I'll take you to a hotel," he finally said.

I stiffened, glancing at him warily. He must have noticed my hesitation because he offered a small reassuring smile.

"Don't worry, I'll pay for it, okay?" he added.

Relief flooded through me, and I nodded slowly, grateful for his kindness.

Soon, we arrived at a hotel. The car rolled to a stop, and he turned to me. "I'll go make the payment first," he said. I nodded, still feeling the lingering chill in my bones.

As he stepped out, I rubbed my stomach gently, whispering, "Mummy is sorry you have to go through this." A soft sigh left my lips as I adjusted the gown I wore, pulling the jacket tighter around me for warmth.

It wasn't long before he returned, shaking the rain off his umbrella. "I've made the payment. Let's get you to rest," he said, opening the car door for me.

I picked up my bag, murmuring yet another "thank you" as I stepped out. The rain had eased into a drizzle, but the air was still damp and cold. We walked inside, the warmth of the hotel lobby instantly soothing my frozen skin.

When we reached the room, he pushed the door open, stepping aside for me to enter. My eyes widened slightly-it was bigger than I expected. "This was the best I could get," he said, placing my bag on the bed.

I turned to him with a small, tired smile. "Thank you once again."

He chuckled lightly. "No problem."

A heavy silence fell between us, the kind that made every small movement feel louder. He cleared his throat. "Hmmm... you need to rest. I'll check on you tomorrow."

I nodded, grateful for his consideration. "So, everything you'll need has been sorted out," he added.

A real smile touched my lips for the first time that night. "Okay, sire."

He chuckled again, shaking his head. "Please, not 'sir.'"

I tilted my head playfully. "Then what should I call you?"

"My name is Steven," he said, offering a warm smile.

I nodded. "Okay. Thank you, Mr. Steven."

He let out another amused chuckle. "Alright then. See you tomorrow. Good night."

With that, he turned and stepped out, leaving me alone in the quiet room.