The One

So-Called Travel The World

Another place, another week, and now, for a bleak three months, Karol felt the heavy absence of her parents. Each time she sensed Christian lurking, she'd dart away like a hunted rabbit — always two steps ahead, even when the threat appeared to close in.

Morning sickness had wrapped its talons around her, leaving her languid and queasy. As her belly blossomed like a ripe fruit, she peered down in disbelief — her abdomen swelling as if she were at the peak of her second trimester. No longer did she move with the spirited agility of youth; instead, she navigated the world with the cautious grace of a mother protecting her precious cargo.

It was lunchtime, and she found herself amidst the fluorescent glow of the grocery store, meticulously stocking her stash for a week before yet another hasty escape. Yet, as she shuffled through the aisles, an unsettling prickle crawled up her spine, the unmistakable sensation of being watched.

Slowly, she scanned her surroundings, feigning interest in a can of soup while secretly sizing up a figure lurking at the end of the aisle. Yes! There it was — the scrutinising gaze of someone who didn't belong, pretending to intrigue in a selection of canned tomatoes.

In that instant, she shoved her cart aside, a silent barricade against the invasive eyes, and slipped towards the entrance with the stealth of a cat burglar. Just as she was rounding the last shelf, an urgent whisper broke the air, accompanied by a gentle tap on her shoulder. Instinctively, she bolted, the hairs on the back of her neck standing at attention as danger coiled around her.

"Miss, miss! Don't walk away without your cart!" pleaded a shop assistant, his brows furrowed in confusion.

"Oh, haha! Apologies! I'm in a mad dash to the loo!" she exclaimed, spinning a tale to mask her fear.

"It's fine, but please take your cart with you! If you don't wish to purchase those items, you can leave them at counter number five," he suggested, his gaze lingering more than was proper.

She instinctively draped her oversized coat around her burgeoning belly, shielding herself from prying eyes. "Oh, apologies, madam! I didn't mean to stare," he stammered, a flush creeping up his neck as if he'd been caught red-handed.

His eyes gleamed as if he were linked to something far beyond the ordinary, and with renewed urgency, she pushed her cart and bolted towards the main entrance, a panicked resolve surging through her veins.

"Wait! Just a moment, ma'am!" the shop assistant called desperation lacing his tone as she thrust open the door to the outside world. She resolutely ignored his pleas as she approached her car, heart racing, not daring to look back.

Yet, unexpectedly, his voice morphed into something familiar and dangerous: "Karol," he called, a low tone that sent a shiver through her being. She halted mid-step, cursing under her breath like a sailor who'd stubbed their toe. "Fuck," she hissed, at him and his entire family line for daring to breach her sanctuary.

As she ambled toward her car, it felt like a marathon, the distance stretching ever further, and the stranger's voice pursued her with an eagerness that felt unnervingly close. "You've got the wrong lady, mister," she shot back, her tone a pitch higher, deliberately youthful, but he wasn't fooled.

"You can't lie to me Karol and I can smell you," he countered, his words laced with an uncanny accuracy that froze her in her tracks.

At that moment, he closed the distance, his hand landing lightly on her shoulder, jolting her from her stupour as adrenaline surged like wildfire through her veins.

"Though your scent has shifted slightly, I can still recognise it," he said. Exhaling heavily, "Fine." She turned away, instinctively shielding her belly from his gaze. With an air of indifference, she asked, "What do you want, Leo?"

"Where have you been? You vanished without a word, and since then, I've been unable to reach you. Did you change your number?"

Before she could respond, a low rumble echoed from her stomach, a reminder of her hunger. A blush crept onto her cheeks, and she offered him a sheepish smile. "Em, Leo, could we grab lunch? I'm absolutely famished."

"Of course," he replied, a playful smile spreading across his face. "What are you in the mood for?"

As she turned to head for her car, Leo caught her by the shoulders once more. "No, my queen, you're not driving. I'll take the wheel." He executed a half bow, grinning at her like a mischievous child.

She couldn't help but smile, shaking her head and rolling her eyes at his antics as they walked towards her car. "I want something meaty."

"Meaty it is."

They reached the restaurant in under ten minutes, and Leo, ever the gentleman, opened the door for her, helping her out of the car without uttering a word. They made their way inside to place their order. While they waited, her curiosity got the better of her.

"Why are you here?"

His gaze softened as if he were looking at the love of his life. "I have a bit of business to attend to. This is my final stop before I head back to Conry." He smiled, warmth radiating from him.

She nodded, but just as she was about to ask another question, a sudden urgency overtook her. "Wait, give me a minute; I really need to go to the loo."

Leo watched her every move, a sense of calm enveloping him as if it were second nature for him to admire her so. Known for his strict Alpha demeanour, here he was, embodying gentleness.

When she returned, a radiant smile brightened her face, reflecting her relief. Leo stood and assisted her into her seat, settling across from her, his expression beaming with affection.

As their casual conversation flowed, Leo couldn't resist revisiting her earlier question. "So, what brought you to this place?"

He was subtly fishing for information, but she was far too savvy to fall for it. "I'm on a quest to travel the world. I finished my MBA, you know, and I deserve a holiday before diving into work or pursuing my PhD."

Just as she finished her sentence, their food arrived, and she eagerly dug into her beautifully cooked meat. Leo watched her delight, then began to cut her food into manageable bites, his eyes filled with adoration.

After their meal, they returned to the grocery store, hoping to pick up a few things before heading home, and secretly wanting to utilise Leo's strength to lug the groceries. Unbeknownst to her, Leo was already well aware of her whereabouts over the past few weeks, silently following her, a gentle presence amidst her busy life.