**PREVIOUSLY KNOWN AS THE BABY CONTRACT**
"Don't touch me!" I screamed, crossing my hands in front of me as a shield.
He chuckled darkly.
Not bothering to listen to anything I just said and ignoring my actions, he brought his hands to my face.
"And...
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As I stepped out of the car, I felt a mix of disbelief and excitement coursing through me. I could hardly believe Mr. Mariano had brought me here. The supermarket sprawled before us, a vibrant world of color and possibility, much more welcoming than the sterile environments I had grown used to. I had spotted it earlier, wishing we could stop, and now my wish had come true. The banners that hung from the ceiling danced lightly in the breeze of the air conditioning, and the laughter of children echoed down the aisles, a nostalgic slight that caught my eye.
But just as I was about to fully absorb the moment, Mr. Mariano's voice cut through the air, serious and commanding. "Come here, Hazel."
I quickly made my way over to him, an involuntary flutter of nerves making my stomach twist. His presence was intimidating; there was an intensity in his gaze that made me feel both anxious and protected. The two bodyguards flanked us, their watchful eyes scanning the area as if anticipating trouble—a constant reminder that even in the simplest of places, shadows lurked. I couldn't help but notice the subtle shift of weight as they adjusted their stances, a silent choreography of vigilance that both comforted and unsettled me.
Once we were all assembled, we entered the supermarket together. The bustling atmosphere greeted us—a stark contrast to the tension that had surrounded our earlier escape. It felt like stepping into another world, with its fragrant produce and smiling faces. A small part of me longed to explore it, to blend into the crowd, to experience the mundane joys that others took for granted. My heart raced as I took in the sights, from the bright oranges stacked high to the enticing aromas wafting from the bakery section.
"Grab a shopping cart," Mr. Mariano instructed, pulling out his phone, his brow furrowing as he focused on whatever work matter demanded his attention. The glow of the screen reflected off his serious expression, and I could sense that his mind was miles away from the colorful assortment of groceries surrounding us.
I hesitated for a moment, glancing around at the shoppers bustling past us, their laughter and chatter wrapping around me like a warm blanket. With a nod, I wheeled a bright red shopping cart forward, trying to suppress the nervous energy bubbling inside me. It wasn't easy to feel brave when Mr. Mariano's serious demeanor loomed over the entire scene, reminding me of the weight of our reality.
Once he joined me, I looked up at him, and though I felt a flutter of nerves, I tried to keep my expression neutral. "What can I get?" I managed to ask, my voice barely above a whisper, hoping to break through the barrier of his concentration.
"Whatever you want," he replied, still distracted by his phone. "But don't go overboard. We need to keep it somewhat healthy." His voice carried a blend of authority and care, a mix that both encouraged and restrained me.
His permission sent a spark of excitement through me, igniting a flicker of joy that had been buried beneath layers of seriousness. I shuffled off through the aisles, glancing back at him every so often, still feeling the weight of his watchful gaze. It made me nervous yet comforted to know he was looking out for me, a guardian in this whirlwind of everyday life.
