Chapter 19. A Charming Stranger

"My lady!" I turned my head at the simultaneous shout, recognizing the familiar voices.

I looked in that direction and saw Mira rushing towards me. I also noticed that Sir Rick was with her, standing behind her. His face displayed a mix of relief and concern upon seeing me.

"My lady, thank God we found you," Sir Rick said as they reached me. I smiled at Sir Rick.

"My lady..." I was taken aback when Mira knelt in front of me, holding my hand.

"Mira, quickly, stand up. The ground is dirty and cold. You'll get bruises," I urged her.

When Mira looked up at me, tears were streaming down her face. It felt as if her tears were gently touching my heart.

"My lady . . . Why are you so kind? I should be the one worrying if my lady was hurt, but you're the one who-" Mira's voice trailed off as she broke down into tears once again.

I embraced her, gently stroking her back to calm her down.

"I'm so sorry, my lady. I was careless. I was truly terrified when I lost sight of you. I wouldn't forgive myself if anything bad had happened to you. Maybe I'm not worthy to be your maid-"

"What nonsense are you saying, Mira?" I interjected, my voice tinged with anger.

I held her by both arms and faced her towards me. As our eyes met, I gazed at her intently.

"Listen to me, Mira. You are the only personal maid I want by my side. I don't want anyone else but you. Because you're not just kind, you also love and care for me. You are important to me. So, don't say such things again. And don't even think of leaving me just because of something like this. It's not your fault that I got lost in the crowd, remember that."

I couldn't hold back my tears either after saying that. Mira cried even harder, so I embraced her tightly once more.

Though it was embarrassing since we caught the attention of passersby, it was unlikely they recognized me as Cassia, the sole lady of the Clorance family, as I wore a brown wig to conceal my platinum blonde hair. I was also dressed in a simple attire, while Mira wore her usual maid outfit, and Sir Rick wasn't in his knight uniform to avoid drawing attention.

"But, my lady, are you alright? Are you hurt anywhere?" Mira asked, wiping away her tears.

I gave her a small smile. "I can't say I'm completely fine. My feet are aching, and my knees feel weak-"

"I think we should call for a physician," Sir Rick interjected.

"We should," agreed Mira.

I let out a sigh. "Both of you need to calm down. I don't need a physician, alright? As I said, I'll be fine with some rest. I'll regain my strength."

"Are you sure, my lady?"

"But, my lady, we can't be sure-"

I cut off Mira's words by placing my index finger on her lips.

"I'm fine, Mira. I know my body better than anyone else. Actually, I think I can walk now. Shall we return home to the Manor?"

I gave both of them an assuring smile. They exchanged glances, with Sir Rick shrugging his shoulders and Mira heaving a sigh.

"Alright, my lady. Let's go back home."

I couldn't help but smile at Mira's response. It was amusing the way she said it, with a pout on her face, as if she still didn't fully accept that she had given in.

Mira truly cares a great deal for Cassia.

"Yeah, I know. So treat her well. She's the only one who would be with you and stay with you."

I secretly smiled at the voice that entered my mind.

I know that already, Miss OG Cassia.

"My lady," Sir Rick reached out his hand to assist me in boarding the carriage he had called for.

I reciprocated the gesture with a smile and slowly ascended the steps to enter the vehicle. Once inside, I promptly took a seat by the window.

As I heard the door close, I didn't bother turning around since I knew it meant that both Sir Rick and Mira had entered the carriage. Our transportation began moving shortly after. It would only take a few minutes before we arrived at the Clorance Manor.

My attention was captivated by the flickering lights being waved by the children on the streets. They resembled tiny sparks in the world I had come from. Witnessing the glimmer of their hands, I couldn't help but be reminded of what had happened earlier.

❛ ━━･❪ 🌹 ❫ ･━━ ❜

"Are you alright?"

Napadilat ako ng aking mata nang marinig ko ang boses na iyon. It was a voice coming from the guy who has his arms wrapped around my waist!

Hindi ako nakapag salita. Para ba akong naging mute at nagka damage sa utak dahil sa sobrang tagal ng processing na nagaganap.

"Lady?"

As he uttered those words, the fireworks erupted in a magnificent display, creating a mesmerizing backdrop while my gaze remained fixed on him.

"You look incredibly handsome..."

It was only after I spoke those words that I realized the impact of what I had said. I quickly moved away from him, creating some distance between us, but before I could get far, my knees gave way beneath me.

"Hey! Woah... Gotcha."

Once again, he caught me! However, this time, there was a slight difference - we found ourselves tightly embraced in our current position.

I could feel and hear the rapid pounding of my heart, overwhelmed by the intensity of the moment.

Hindi ako tanga para mag-isip ng 'What's happening? Why is my heart beating so fast? May problema ba sa puso ko?' Hay naku, inday! Nakaka-cringe lang 'yang tanga-tangahan moments na yan.

'Di pa ba obvious? Eh sa isang gwapong nilalang na may mabangong scent 'yong kayakapan ko ngayon - though hindi naman talaga kami magkayakap, pero ganon na rin 'yon!

One thing is for sure, other than this guy being handsome and has a nice scent. Medyo may katigasan din ang kaniyang dibdib. Bestie, may abs kaya siya?

"Ehem. What are you doing right now?"

Nagulantang ako nang marinig ko ang boses na iyon sa aking utak. OG Cassia na na naman? Madam, hindi ba pwedeng mag doorbell ka muna bago ka pumasok sa isip ko? Nakakagulat ka naman!

Pero ayun nga, back to this guy right here. Matangkad din siya. From the looks of it, hindi siya mukhang commoner. Nakasuot kasi ito ng mamahaling damit.

"You seriously need to be careful," he said, locking his gaze with mine.

I couldn't help but be captivated by his deep ocean-blue eyes, perfectly complemented by his silver hair.

"Pardon me for doing this."

I was still puzzled by his words when he suddenly scooped me up in a bridal-style lift. Wait! What is this guy doing?

"W-Where are you taking me?" I asked, feeling a mix of surprise and curiosity.

Aba! Kahit gwapo pa siya, hinding-hindi ko hahayaan ang sarili ko na ma-kidnapp 'no!

Pero sayang naman siya, ang gwapo pa man din tapos kidnapper lang pala ang trabaho niya. Ano kaya kung i-hire ko na lang siyang worker sa palace? Siguro naman may work na kakailanganin ng isa pang staff 'no?

"Pfft!"

I turned to look at him as I heard him snicker, noticing his lips curved into a smirk!

"What's so funny?" I asked, adopting a somewhat sassy tone. I raised my eyebrows as I posed the question.

Saglit na nagbago ang ekspresyon nang mukha niya nang makita ang pagtataray ko pero agad din na bumalik sa pagkakangisi.

"Nothing," he answered. "Cute..."

After noon ay dahan-dahan niya akong ibinaba ng upo sa may bench kung saan hindi gaanong matao.

Nakahinga naman ako ng maluwag dahil doon. Akala ko kidnapper talaga siya eh. Ang OA ko rin minsan mag-isip.

"Here, drink this," he said, lifting my gaze towards him. He held a blue-colored bottle. "This could help you calm down. I understand you must have been frightened after almost falling off the bridge."

I glanced at the bottle he was holding and then returned my gaze to him.

"And how am I supposed to believe that you didn't put any drugs in that bottle? Look here, Mister. Even if you're handsome, I won't foolishly accept a drink from you, fearing it might be poison."

After uttering those words, he fell silent, just staring at me. I did the same, maintaining my gaze. Then, after a minute, he simply smiled.

"You amuse me. Truly."

I rolled my eyes. "Do I appear to be some kind of entertainment to you?"

"I never said anything of the sort."

"Tch."

"Don't worry. I haven't added anything to that bottle. It's sealed and unopened. I just bought it, okay? You can check it if you want. It's sparkling water."

I quickly turned my attention back to him. "Did you say sparkling water?"

Mahina naman siyang natawa pero narinig ko naman. "Yes. It is sparkling water. Here, take it."

He handed me the bottle and I quickly examined it closely. As he said, it was completely sealed. It was indeed brand new. However, why did his bottle have a different color compared to the one Sir Rick had bought earlier?

"The color of the bottle is different because the level of sweetness in that sparkling water is different from the regular one, which comes in the transparent-colored bottle."

I quickly raised my gaze to him. What the heck? "Do you have mind-reading powers or something?"

"Haha! No, I have not. Though I wish I do have one." He answered. "So adorable..."

Hindi ko na lamang iyon pinansin pa at binuksan na lang ang cap ng bottle at saka sinubukang uminom.

"It taste's like fresh lemonade..." I mumbled after taking a sip.

"Do you like it?" he asked.

I quickly turned to him, caught off guard, and replied, "Yes!"

"Ah... I mean, it's fine. It tastes okay," I quickly corrected myself.

I averted my gaze because when our eyes met earlier, I saw his wide smile. That smile of his is dangerous! Luckily, I managed to control myself, or else my heart might have exploded from its intense pounding.

Deep breaths. Inhale. Exhale. Calm down, heart. Calm down.

"Oh, shit! I must take my leave promptly."

As I turned towards him, I noticed a sense of urgency in his demeanor.

"Are you here unaccompanied? Do you not have anyone attending to you?" he inquired, his tone filled with concern.

"N-No, I do have companions. However, regrettably, I have become separated from them amidst the bustling crowd," I responded.

Why am I stuttering? Goodness!

"I'm running out of time..." His softly spoken words barely reached my ears.

"If you are burdened with important matters, you can go. It is acceptable for you to depart and leave me be. I can handle myself."

"Did you hear... No, that is inconsequential. I simply cannot forsake your company and leave you here all alone."

"Look here, handsome stranger. I am already immensely grateful for your gallant rescue when I was on the verge of falling from that bridge earlier, and for catching me once more when I lost my balance. You even carried me in a bridal style and brought me to this bench where I'm sitting right now. I've already caused you enough trouble today. I seriously don't want to add more to the list."

I didn't even realize that my mouth was rambling again. It was already too late to take back my words because the guy in front of me was already grinning!

"For a beautiful young lady, you have a sharp tongue on using foul words."

I awkwardly scratched my cheek with my finger. Shocks! I didn't realize the words I used. I hope Cassia didn't hear them, you know? I don't want to have nightmares later.

"My lady!"

Both of us turned our heads to the right when we heard that loud shout. I recognized the voice instantly.

"That's one of the people I came with today. They'll find me here soon. So go ahead."

He looked at me, and our eyes met again.

"Then, I'll go now," he said as he started walking away.

"Hey, handsome stranger!" I shouted, making him turn back to face me. "Um... I'm really sorry for troubling you so much tonight. And thank you for saving me..." I raised the bottle that I was carrying in my hand, "And for the sparkling water, too. Take care."

And one last time for the evening, he smiled at me. The charming one.

"It is you who should take utmost care of yourself. Good night, m'lady."

❛ ━━･❪ 🌹 ❫ ･━━ ❜

But little did I know, that feeling would linger in my mind. The touch of that stranger's arms wrapped around me, rescuing me from the brink of falling. It was an unexpected moment of warmth and security.

Thinking aback to my way of explaining my feelings makes me remember how cringe I was when I read those lines that the characters from a novel would feel.

I couldn't help but wonder how surreal it was. As someone who belonged to the real world, it was strange to experience emotions and scenarios reminiscent of those found within the pages of a book. I never expected my life to intertwine with such captivating moments.

It really is funny. But... If destiny permits, will him and I see again?

To be Continued...