15 He is back
1035 Words
The driver felt deeply guilty, blaming himself for failing my father's expectations.
I kept reassuring him. This wasn’t his fault—it was my lack of caution.
The guy who had helped me didn’t interrupt our conversation, but I definitely wouldn’t forget my savior.
“Thank you for saving me, Spider-Man,” I said, extending my hand. He was wearing a polo shirt with a Spider-Man logo.
“No problem. Just drop me off at the next corner. My mom will worry if I’m home too late.” He rubbed his messy curls and smiled.
I couldn’t help but smile too. He was a laid-back guy. I took out my phone, added his w******p, and promised I’d get him an identical skateboard.
He waved goodbye as he got off the car.
My parents found out about what happened with the thugs, especially my mom, who was nearly in tears.
I had to swear to God I’d never go out alone again and would always bring bodyguards. Only then did she relax.
The next morning, I went with my mother to the jewelry shop for my custom pieces that would match the three engagement dresses.
The first set of jewelry was jade from China, which perfectly complemented the green dress. Unlike the typical Western jewelry, which tends to be ornate, these pieces had a gentle elegance that fit the first dress well.
The other two sets were more elaborate—pearls and white diamonds for the main dress, and rubies for the after-party gown.
Apart from a few size adjustments, I was pleased with everything. Mom lingered at the counter, suggesting I pick out wedding jewelry in advance.
I protested that it was too early, but I couldn’t resist the crowns and necklaces the manager showed us, so I picked a few designs.
I spent the whole morning looking at jewelry. By the time my appointment with Sophia to pick out Angelo's gift was approaching, I pleaded with Mom to let me go out for a while.
A girl stepped forward from behind my mother. She looked ordinary, but Mom pulled her over to introduce her to me: “This is Elena, the bodyguard your father chose for you yesterday. She’s the leader of a mafia squad.”
I didn’t expect this seemingly plain girl to be a top fighter. I instantly felt a sense of respect for her. After seeing Marco, I knew anyone who survived in the mafia environment had to be remarkable.
I studied her face. Her unremarkable appearance was an asset for a bodyguard. She wasn’t talkative and just silently stood behind me.
I didn’t push her to befriend me right away. After all, it was only our first meeting.
Now that someone was protecting me, Mom felt comfortable heading back home, leaving Elena and me to wait for Sophia.
Sophia arrived soon after, wearing a cute yellow sundress.
She looked around at the stores and shook her head disapprovingly. “My brother doesn’t like luxury goods. Lots of people send him stuff like that, and he’s bored of it. I thought it over yesterday and brought a photo of him when he was young. How about we go to a studio and paint a picture for him?”
Angelo didn’t lack luxury goods, so I agreed with Sophia’s idea.
The driver took us to a well-known art studio, where a teacher came out to greet us. After learning our identities, she led us to a VIP room.
Honestly, it felt kind of surreal. I had never been good at painting, but the teacher was very attentive. She explained the steps thoroughly and guided us on each stroke.
By evening, the gift was almost finished.
I was carrying the painting while chatting with Sophia on the way out. “Has your brother been busy lately? I’ve only seen him once this month.”
“Isn’t your brother just as busy? I heard Marco has been dealing with some tricky stuff.”
Hearing her casually call Marco by his name made me feel a bit awkward, but I quickly brushed it off.
The engagement day was approaching, and I finally saw my long-absent fiancé and stepbrother at home.
At first glance, I almost didn’t recognize them.
They both had changed a lot.
Angelo still had his gentle demeanor, but on closer inspection, there was something intimidating beneath the surface—evidence of the challenges he had faced recently.
And Marco—he was still dressed in black, but his build was even more muscular. My mom thought he had lost weight, but when I looked at his lowered arms, the outlines of his muscles told me he must have gone through some grueling fights recently.
His expression was still cold, and his eyes were darker than ever—as if they could swallow me whole if I wasn't careful.
Perhaps he noticed my gaze. He looked at me blankly, and I quickly averted my eyes.
Had Marco and Angelo been together during this time? My instincts told me no. They seemed like strangers. The atmosphere between them was calm yet off.
Something must have happened.
Angelo broke the silence first.
“Good morning. Are you taking Harper out today?”
My mom happily replied, “We’re going out for a spa. After that, it’ll be the engagement party. Oh, your fathers are so ruthless, giving you time off just now. But don’t worry—Harper is all set. She’ll look her absolute best.”
Angelo smiled, walked over, and gently lifted my hand to kiss the back of it. “Of course. She’s always the most beautiful in my eyes.”
But I couldn’t respond properly because I felt someone’s gaze bore into me, as if trying to see right through me.
“Mom, let’s go.” I pulled my mother, eager to leave.
“She’s just shy. Angelo, see you the day after tomorrow.” My mom said goodbye to Angelo as we left.
During the spa treatment, I enjoyed the beautician’s techniques while trying to relax.
It's fine, Harper, it’s just an engagement party.
But what I didn't know at the time was that a bloody storm was waiting for me.
- Writer
