Love for One Night

Ch3: The Cat and Mouse Game (2)

Arden was driving aimlessly around downtown when he noticed a stunning woman in a fur-trimmed short jacket stepping out of a high-end store. She carried a small handbag and crossed the street in high heels to get her car. Just as he was about to follow her, Ryo called.

"They're not home?" Arden repeated the statement he heard on the phone while trailing the woman around a corner.

Ryo's voice came through. "I went in with the landlord to check. The boxes for the dresses are there, so they must've worn them out."

"Hmm." Arden couldn't help but imagine how that body would look in the dress. He trusted his taste—he'd never been wrong when picking out clothes for a woman.

Suddenly, Ryo lowered his voice. "I'm in her bedroom now. Want me to bring you a little souvenir?"

Arden chuckled. "If I wanted a souvenir, I'd come for it myself. No need for you to go out of your way."

Thanks to Ryo's reminder, Arden regretted not keeping something that night. He'd have to remember to next time.

"Oh, by the way," Arden's lips curved into a mischievous smile. "Leave a package there for me. Anywhere in her bedroom will do."

Ryo didn't ask what kind of package—he understood immediately. He teased, "Ooh, big bro, what are you planning?"

Arden laughed at Ryo's affected tone. "You'll find out when the time comes."

After hanging up, Arden realized the beautiful woman he'd been watching was long gone. Doesn't matter—there were better things waiting ahead for him.

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"Sandra, don't walk so fast! Wait for me, please."

Sandra stopped and turned to look at April, who was lagging far behind, leaning on a utility pole and catching her breath. Passersby couldn't help but notice April's glamorous little dress paired with an old down jacket—a chaotic outfit that attracted a lot of stares.

Did people really think Cinderella's glass slippers were so easy to wear? Outsiders saw beauty and bliss, but who knew how much suffering and pain the wearer endured? Unfortunately, girls raised on fairy tales only remembered the pretty parts. Until reality knocked them around, they'd never learn what it meant to endure hardship.

Sandra crossed her arms and waited for April to catch up. But the girl suddenly stopped, stood upright, and began waving her arms wildly. What was she doing? Had she lost her mind? Sandra couldn't make sense of the gestures. She needed at least a few words to guess what April was trying to say.

She was so focused on deciphering April's movements that she didn't notice the sound of a car engine approaching. By the time her delayed sense of danger kicked in, it was too late—her waist was grabbed, and she was yanked off balance. The world spun upside down as her body collided painfully with something solid.

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Turning onto the one-way street, Arden spotted their two "guests" in the distance. April's outfit was certainly hard to miss. What surprised him was the figure with her back turned to him, holding a large bag. He squinted to confirm what he was seeing.

This girl wasn't as easy to deal with as he thought. A little disappointed, Arden also found it amusing. Challenges were more fun, after all.

Driving closer stealthily, Arden soon caught April's attention. He was surprised—wasn't her eyesight supposed to be bad?

Actually, April had seen the car rushing toward Sandra but hadn't recognized who was driving. Exhausted and anxious, she had panicked and resorted to frantic gestures.

Arden simply floored the gas, hit the brakes hard, and scooped Sandra into the passenger seat with ease. He expected resistance, but none came. Sandra tumbled in, her legs catching on the seatback, her body arching reflexively before she awkwardly slid headfirst onto the floor.

Arden raised the convertible's roof while maneuvering the car, laughing as he dodged Sandra's flailing legs and watched her struggle to right herself in the tight space.

As Sandra finally sat up, catching her breath while holding onto the open window, her plastic bag slipped from her grasp. Caught by the wind, it flew out with a flash of fiery red.

"The dress!" Sandra leaned out, watching the garment tumble across the road, unwilling to part from its owner.

Arden reached out and pulled her back. "Don't stick your head out. Cars are passing—watch out."

"You..." Sandra recognized him instantly—his exaggerated sunglasses and wide grin revealed her kidnapper.

Arden was in high spirits. The SVJ's passenger seat had been unexpectedly filled by the girl he'd been thinking about. Her regret over the lost dress only added to his confidence. Clearly, she wasn't unwilling—she just couldn't bear to wear it.

"Don't worry about that cheap dress," he comforted the furious girl in the passenger seat.

Arden thought he had the situation under control, but Sandra was only lamenting the loss of a potential weapon. She had no choice now but to use her hands—and hands, as we know, can hurt. Especially her hands, which were already covered in bandages.

Hesitating, Sandra decided against striking him. There was nothing handy in the car to use as a weapon, and Arden escaped unscathed. If he'd known, he might've bought a lottery ticket.

"Let me out of the car," Sandra demanded.

Arden glanced at her and smiled as he declined. "Since you're already here, why not stay with me tonight?"