Chapter 7

On the other hand, Adelaide walked along the dimly lit street. She couldn't find a taxi, and she had been walking for a long time, her feet already sore from the heels. She took them off and continued walking barefoot.

She didn't know whether to complain about her feet or the hunger she felt. That's when she saw a convenience store. She clasped her hands together, looking up at the sky as if thanking the saints for finding that store open at that late hour.

She entered the store, realizing she was the only customer. There was a woman at the cash register who briefly glanced at her. Adelaide went around picking up various "junk" from the shelves: snacks, candies, ice cream... Everything she desired.

She went to the counter and placed everything on it. While the cashier scanned the items, Adelaide went to the beverage machine and inserted the money, pressing the button to get a can of soda, but nothing happened.

"Damn it, why isn't this coming out?" Adelaide started hitting the machine in frustration.

Adelaide knew the value of money, having gone through difficulties and always having many bills to pay. She became angry that the machine took her money without giving her what she wanted.

The thunderous sound of a punch on the machine made Adelaide jump in surprise. She stood frozen as she felt a person behind her, unable to move as if she were a statue.

The can of soda fell to the ground. The guy who helped her bent down, picked up the can, and handed it to her with a tired smile.

"Th-thank you for the help... Doctor," Adelaide said, feeling her cheeks warm.

"No need to be formal with me, we're friends, just call me Griffin."

"Okay, Doctor... I mean, Griffin!" The girl stumbled over her words, and Griffin laughed at the sight of the blushing girl.

She noticed more of the guy's condition; he looked exhausted, with deep circles under his eyes, and was wearing casual clothes. It was strange for her to see him so informal, without his white coat.

"What are you doing here at this hour of the night?" Griffin asked.

"I was at a party with my sister, but I left early and came here to buy some things to eat. And you?"

"I was on duty until now. I was heading home but decided to stop here and buy a drink," he said, and she smiled awkwardly. She wasn't good at making small talk, especially with handsome men like Griffin. "Do you want a ride?"

"No need..."

"I insist. A girl like you shouldn't be walking the streets alone at this hour. It's dangerous."

How can he be so perfect?! Adelaide wondered to herself.

Seeing that she had no choice, she accepted the ride. They both bought their items, and Griffin placed the bags on the back seat of his car. He got into the driver's seat, and Adelaide sat in the passenger seat. Before the doctor started the car, he noticed that she was hugging herself due to the cold, so he kindly took off his jacket.

"No need," Adelaide smiled and blushed again. He was so gentle and caring that he always made her feel shy.

"It's very cold," Griffin didn't wait for Adelaide's response and put the jacket over her shoulders. Finally, she accepted, and he could step on the accelerator of the car. "How is Aurora doing?"

"Well... too well."

He chuckled softly.

"Has she started causing trouble again?"

"She's always up to something, and I have the duty to help her out of the messes she gets herself into," the girl smiled, thinking of her younger sister. She could be a little crazy, but she loved her. "And how is Tristan?"

She didn't even like mentioning the man's name; she only asked out of politeness.

"We don't talk much, but he must be fine."

"You're not very close?" Adelaide let curiosity get the better of her but immediately regretted it. "I'm sorry."

"It's okay. We don't have a strong sibling relationship like most people do, but we don't have any issues. He's just very reserved."

The rest of the journey was silent as they both enjoyed the calmness and the sweet melody playing on the radio. In a few minutes, he parked the car in front of the apartment.

"Thank you for the ride," Adelaide said, intending to get out, but her wrist was gently pulled. She turned around, confused but then remembered she was still wearing Griffin's jacket. "I-I'm sorry, I almost forgot to return your jacket."

"Keep it. That way, you'll have something to remember me by."

Adelaide lowered her head, praying he wouldn't see her extremely red face, but he did, and he loved it.

"I'm still busy with work, but when I get some time off, can I hope to go out with you?"

"Yes!" Adelaide quickly regretted responding so eagerly and with such enthusiasm. "Well... I'll wait for your call."

Griffin smiled and bid farewell to Adelaide with a kiss on her hand. She got out of the car, biting her lips to contain her excitement. The young woman turned around and waved, watching the car fade into the distance.

"What a wonderful night!" Adelaide smiled widely and skipped into the building.

***

"And he advances on the woman in the red dress in the middle of the field, now whispers something in her ear... This is a decisive moment. Will the player Tristan Callahan score another point?" Aurora observed him, trying to conquer yet another woman she had chosen for him. She narrated as if it were a football game. Seconds later, as always, Tristan managed to hook up with another woman from that party, kissing her with lust. "Goal!"

Aurora admitted that the little game was entertaining, but it would be even more fun if he faced at least one rejection. The young redhead was getting angry with him because he proved he could have any girl he wanted... Except her.

"It's so easy it's becoming boring," Tristan sat next to the girl. "What do you say we spice up this game?"

"What do you mean?"

"Choose another woman here, and I'll have just fifteen minutes to make her surrender to me. If I win, I'll have one favor to ask of you."

"A favor?"

"Yes. You'll have to obey one of my commands. If I want you to do something, you won't be able to refuse."

"You're on! If I win, I'll also have one favor to ask of you."

They sealed the bet with a handshake that sent shivers down both their spines due to the temperature of their skin.

Aurora looked carefully at the women. A smile appeared on her lips, and Tristan noticed it wasn't a good sign.

"That woman," Aurora pointed to one who was accompanied by a man, presumably her husband, as they both wore wedding rings.

Tristan stood up as soon as the man moved away. He walked over to the woman and began doing what he had done with the others: seductive smiles and whispering inappropriate things in her ear.

Aurora dropped the glass on the floor when she saw Tristan grabbing the married woman in such a short time.

"Are you kidding me?" The redhead crossed her arms. "How does he manage to do that?" Her blood boiled with anger; she had just lost the bet and would have to do whatever Tristan asked.

That anger disappeared when she spotted the woman's husband, who was currently kissing Tristan.

"You're screwed, Callahan!" Aurora smiled, enjoying the chaos unfolding.

The man separated the "couple" and punched Tristan in the face. Tristan defended himself, and they started fighting right there. People approached the commotion and separated them.

"I better get out of here. This party is full of crazies." Aurora stood up and left unnoticed by Tristan.

***

Adelaide couldn't stop thinking about Griffin, about how kind he was to her last night, a true prince charming. She was lost in thought that morning, daydreaming about her prince in a lab coat.

Aurora noticed that Adelaide was in la-la land, but that wasn't the most important topic for her at the moment. She had gone to Starbucks and ordered a coffee. As she waited for her coffee to be ready, she thought about what Tristan would ask her to do there. Impure thoughts filled her mind because Mr. Arrogant was a womanizer.

Aurora left the establishment with the coffee in one hand and a small mirror in the other, where she looked at her reflection. Now that she worked in a fashion company, she wanted to appear more presentable.

She furrowed her brow when she saw, through the reflection in the mirror, a familiar car right behind her. This time, she could clearly see the driver's face.

"Callahan!"

She put the mirror in her bag, sighed deeply, and turned, walking toward the car as if nothing was amiss. When she was close to the vehicle, she tightened her grip on the coffee cup in her hand.

"This won't go unpunished!" she thought.

"You son of a bitch!" Aurora threw her coffee at the windshield, splattering the front of the car.

Tristan got out of the car, surprised by the girl's action. He quickly walked towards her and confronted her face to face.

"Are you crazy, girl?"

"You're the one following me! I almost had a heart attack, thinking you were some psycho killer!"

They stared at each other, hatred in their eyes, but at one point, Tristan got lost in admiring every detail of the girl's face.

She was the first and only one to stand up to him, and also the only one he desired to have for just one night. It wasn't just a matter of pride; he recognized that she was one of the most beautiful girls he had ever met.

Without saying another word, Tristan turned around and got into his car, starting the engine and leaving Aurora standing there with a confused and furious expression.

"You owe me a coffee!"