Chapter 4:
Completely Stranger

When Harry asked permission to go to Starbucks for a while, what the young man actually did was meet Louis, who had been waiting for him for a long time in a cafe. Harry would have even forgotten about Anne if Anne herself didn't call Harry and asked where he was.

Just because Anne's car broke down, Harry suffered the aftermath too. The young man arrived in front of his mother's boutique, which was very quiet. Harry didn't understand himself. Anne has many employees, but she often works alone late at night without wanting to ask some help from her employees. And now, the time on Harry's wristwatch shows it's eleven o'clock, it's already eleven o'clock in the evening.

After running into the security guards, Harry walked into the boutique. Just past the entrance, a shadow made Harry hold his breath. The lights in the boutique are made a little dim, the lights automatically dims itself once the clock strikes nine o'clock in the evening.

"Mum?" Harry's voice was low, whispered. The young man walked slowly toward his mother's room, which was not far from the front room or living room.

Anne's door was slightly ajar and the light in her room is still bright. Harry walked in and squinted at the sight of his mother who had fallen asleep in her sitting position. But something was odd. There's a cloth covering her body. That seems impossible, isn't it? Anne couldn't possibly cover herself from behind, especially when she's asleep. In addition, the condition of the room is very clean and neat. Yet just a few hours ago, when Harry said goodbye, this room was a total mess.

Harry approached Anne and touched her shoulder, not intending to wake her up, however, Harry's gentle movement made Anne quickly wake up from sleep and rub her eyes. Anne's smile broke and at that moment, Harry felt very guilty. Why did he have the heart to make his own mother wait for so long?

"Hi, Harry. You're already back. I thought you forgot about my existence. I actually thought of staying the night here. There's no taxis available at this time of the night like right now." Anne rose to her feet and the cloth that's covering her body fell to the floor. Anne winced before reaching for the cloth and raised an eyebrow at Harry, who was silent. A smile appeared again on Anne's lips.

"You don't need to cover me in this stuff, Harry. I have to use it for Lady Gaga's outfit designs. " Harry bit his lower lip before giving a forced smile.

Harry embraced Anne. "Come on, let's go home, Mum. You really need some rest. "

Then, Harry led his mother out of the room, taking a quick glance at her mother's office which was already dark.

The car that Harry is currently driving stopped in front of his stately home. Anne immediately walked out of the car and walked into the house languidly. Anne could have fallen if Harry didn't come and help her up the stairs.

"I'm just tired. I need to rest. " Anne said, smiling.

"Tomorrow, don't go to the boutique. Get some rest." Harry ordered as he opened the door to his mother's room. Harry helped Anne lay down on the bed before sitting on the edge of the bed.

Harry gently stroked his mother's forehead and smiled, "Sleep well, Mum. Sweet dreams and goodnight. " Harry gave Anne a quick kiss on the forehead before getting up and walking out of Anne's room.

Harry leaned his back against the wall beside the door to his mother's room. His mind was on one thing, and it's disturbing his thoughts. The young man was very sure. He saw a shadow of someone who entered his mother's office earlier.

━━

"Giselle said she's moving to London in two weeks."

Harry raised an eyebrow when he heard Zayn's voice coming behind from his seated position. Zayn tapped Harry on the shoulder before sitting next to Harry with a big smile on his lips. Zayn looks very happy, not as usual for Harry to see.

"Giselle?"

"The girl I told about yesterday. I forgot to tell you her name, didn't I? Her name is Giselle Payton and she's very beautiful. " Zayn's smile grew wider and Harry rolled his eyes.

"I can't agree with you for now, mate. I've never seen her. Well, but I'm not sure if she's much prettier than Casey. You know that Casey is one of the most beautiful girls the world has ever seen. " Harry grinned and now, it was Zayn's turn to roll his eyes.

"Yeah right, say that to the man who just let his relationship with the 'most beautiful girl the world has ever seen' burn down in flames."

Harry chuckled with amusement. In fact, Casey is indeed really pretty, there was no doubt about that, but Harry isn't really interested in her anymore, ever since he found out how bad Casey was. Imagine if the girl who you think really loves you, kisses another guy who's worse off is your best friend. It feels really bad.

"I don't see you looking at any other girl after breaking up with Casey, Harry. Are you sorry that you broke up with her? I saw yesterday that she joined hands with Michael." Zayn suddenly which made Harry chuckle indifferently.

Harry sighed. "You'll see, Zayn. Be careful though. If yesterday you kissed my girl, who knows that I might kiss your girl this time." Harry grinned temporarily, Zayn narrowed his eyes and let out a strained yawn.

"Whatever, Styles."

━━

Anne didn't go to the boutique today because her body couldn't bear to do so. Anne left a message for Harry to take her sketchbook in her office, so that Anne can continue her work without being distracted.

Unfortunately, Harry just remembered Anne's message after the young man arrived right in front of a discotheque. The clock showed it's already already ten p.m and Harry refrained from entering the discotheque. Harry decided to carry out his mother's order first.

The boutique is very quiet. Who in the world would want to work late at night like this? Apparently his mother.

Harry asked the security guard outside the boutique for a key to open the boutique. The atmosphere is very quiet and tranquil. Normally, Harry was never alone in the boutique. He always goes with mother or sister. This is Harry's first time going to a boutique, alone. Not knowing why, Harry's heart skipped a beat when he reached the boutique. Slowly, Harry took a step, turning on the light to help him see, until finally Harry arrived in front of Anne's office which was still locked. Harry inserted the key into the keyhole of the door and twisted the knob while pushing the door slowly.

Harry gasped to see what was in front of him at this time. The room looks bright and very clean. No, that's not all that made Harry catch his breath. What was even more surprising was when Harry found a girl using a feather duster to clean the mannequins in the room one by one. The girl seemed not yet aware of Harry's presence, but moments later, when she turned around, she looked much more surprised than Harry. The girl shook her head before reflexively dropping the feather duster she was using earlier. The girl took a few steps back, until her back hit the wall behind her.

Harry tried to catch his breath before giving the girl an intimidating look. "Who are you?"

Trying to be intimidating and stern, Harry took a step forward, approaching the girl, but Harry's steps stopped when he realized what the girl was wearing. Hey, isn't that the dress Mum was working on?

"Why are you wearing the dress that my mum was designing and. . . " Harry stared at the girl from the head to toe until his gaze stopped at her eyes. Harry's heart beated faster. The girl's face. . . the girl's face. . .

"You. . . look familiar. Who are you and what are you doing here? " Harry's voice softened, but the girl was still staring at him, trembling continously.

The girl is really terrified and never expected Harry's presence in front of her at this time. She never imagined that she'll get caught, or Harry coming to the boutique in the first place.