Touched By A Stranger

Chapter 5: The Mistaken Accusation

"Why don't you just sell it?"

As they walked into the bustling public market, their footsteps echoing throughout the vast space, the food they bought would last them a whole week! Once they ensured the shop's doors were securely locked, they wasted no time and went straight for their goal. It was such a pleasant surprise that Ella's cousin was there! Oh, her cousin sounds like such a sweetheart! She was kind and willing to move in with Ella to care for her mother. Ella can still pay her cousin, especially since her business makes little money. Penelope decided to work abroad. Her cousin wasted no time and got to work, taking full advantage of the opportunity.

"Even if I sell it, it just won't be enough. There needs to be more to cover the bank charges."

"You need to choose one of your affluent suitors then. They will help you without a doubt."

"I don't have time for a romantic relationship, and I don't want to use anyone for my benefit. I'm still young and strong."

Penny inhaled deeply. "Have you thought of trying to find the "stranger" who was there at the bar? Since you said that it's an upscale bar, the man may be affluent. He may be a rich family's son or grandchild."

"It's like searching for a needle in a haystack to find him. I don't think he knows anything about me either."

"Ugh, I'm curious about that guy too!" Penny looked at her, and their eyes met for a moment. "Did you start to have feelings for him after that night? You can't even forget about him, can you? Oh, he left something in you, didn't he?"

She let out a soft, melodic giggle. Ella was amazed when she realized her transparency was more noticeable than she thought. Ella was speechless and couldn't wrap her head around it. Even though she was confused, she couldn't help but trust the mysterious stranger completely.

Penny couldn't help but notice a man focused on caring for the car nearby. "Hey, cousin! It looks like that guy over there is working on your car."

Ella quickly focused her gaze on the distance. She quickly noticed a man sitting on the edge of her car, aggressively pounding his hands against the tire. Ella started picking up the pace, almost like she was going for a brisk jog. She could feel this undeniable sense of urgency pushing her forward with every step. She skillfully picked the string beans from her cousin's plastic basket with a quick and handy movement. She had this determined look in her eyes as she tightly gripped the object in her hand. This was her one shot to defend herself against the creepy figure before her. She knew she had to act quickly and make a firm decision.

***

"Hey, what's going on over there? What are you up to?" Reid's words were so powerful! They echoed through the air like a booming explosion, grabbing everyone's attention right away. He was mad, and his words cut through the silence, aimed at the kids sitting in the car.

At the same time, they quickly stood up, hiding their hands sneakily behind their backs. Reid quickly looked around the car, taking in every detail of the vehicle before him. The old model brings back memories. This nostalgic feeling takes us back to the good old days. The person caring for it is meticulous and pays close attention to everything it needs. He got this puzzled look when he saw the car and couldn't help but notice that it was missing a side mirror. He quickly glanced at the innocent faces of the children, which made them run away in a hurry.

In the middle of all the hustle and bustle, "Hey!" Reid's voice suddenly burst out of his throat, echoing all around. "Hey, come back here!"

But the kids wouldn't give up trying to escape. As he looked over, he saw the car and noticed its wheel sticking out among the remains of what used to be a happy time. The lingering echoes of innocent laughter can't help but captivate him. He was sitting there, staring at the tire, entirely focused. His only job was to find any signs of mischief, looking for clues that the naughty kids had poked holes in them. So, Reid was trying to get the car going by giving it a little push when, out of nowhere, he got hit from behind.

He winced in pain and said, "Ouch!" with a hint of irritation. He quickly looked at the person who hit him.

He was so quick! He instinctively raised his arms and skillfully blocked the powerful attacks from the woman.

"You crook!" she exclaimed, her voice dripping with anger. The woman was distraught and asked, "What did you do to my car?" in an accusing tone.

As the woman spoke, she swung her arm forward, hitting him over and over again. She nailed those blows! They were so precise and perfectly timed with her speech.

Reid asked politely, "Hey, could you please stop? I'm not doing anything with your car, so you know."

So, out of nowhere, the woman suddenly stopped attacking and throwing punches. As soon as he looked, he couldn't help but notice a hand gripping a bunch of beans tightly. She was holding it like a whip when she suddenly swung it at him, striking him. The beans were so fragile they seemed like they were about to break when he touched them. Reid looked up, and his eyes landed on the woman's face. Her gaze was intense and powerful, like it could completely overwhelm him. He had this amazing smile, you know? It was like a playful dance that just lit up his whole face. She gave him a death stare, her anger simmering, and his smile seemed to mock her rage. The woman was getting furious like a storm was brewing inside her.

The woman was furious and worried as she confronted the person before her. She gave the car a suspicious look, her eyes narrowing and a hint of accusation in her expression. It seemed like something had changed about her beloved pride and joy.

When Ella saw the car, she was amazed. That vehicle looked strange because it didn't have a side mirror. Ella's heart pounded as she hurried towards the car, her steps filled with determination and a sense of urgency. She didn't even think twice before reaching out, her hand stretching out to grab the vehicle.

"I already told you I didn't do anything with your car."

Ella's eyes were locked on the front tire, wholly focused on it. She was focused on studying it; her eyes couldn't look away for a long time. Her heart sank as she saw the car; its two back tires were flat and had no air in them. She looked annoyed, and boy, did she shoot him a fiery glare! She swung those string beans she held with determination and bam! She landed a powerful hit on him when he least expected it.

Reid felt a sharp pain that made him blurt out, "Ouch!" His voice was filled with complaint. "Ouch, that hurts! The bean got shredded! Have mercy!"

Ella quickly shifted her attention back to her cousin. She skillfully grabbed two long eggplants from the plastic basket she was holding.

The words were like arrows, hitting him right in the ears. "With that face, it is impossible to complain," she stated, furious and frustrated. Ella's hand shook as she held out the eggplant to him like it was ready to strike him. He was so agile he easily dodged her daring attack, effortlessly avoiding her punches with incredible speed.

"Stop!" Reid's voice barely escaped his lips. He was smooth and graceful, effortlessly dodging the woman's attack like a pro. He knew exactly what she was planning and danced out of harm's way. He was good at adjusting his approach and doing it quickly and deliberately. He wanted to find the perfect balance between strength and finesse. He slowly applied pressure and guided her body, making sure she collided with her vehicle in a controlled way.

The woman suddenly stopped walking and leaned against the car for support. She took a deep breath, pausing to gather her thoughts.

Reid quickly and skeptically responds, "You're accusing me, but you haven't given any evidence to back it up." He's questioning her about the accusation.

Ella's eyes locked on him. Her eyes glistened with a hint of wetness like they were about to shed tears. It was clear that she was feeling some strong emotions. She could tell that tears were about to spill over. She was fearless and managed to keep her emotions in check, refusing to let the intense feelings overwhelm her. The woman gracefully spun around on her heel, taking in the surrounding view.

Reid asked with a voice that was both curious and defiant. "What's your plan, huh?"