**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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"Come here, Hazel," I called, my voice cutting through the dull roar of overlapping conversations and the hum of fluorescent lights. She was momentarily lost in her own universe, mesmerized by the glowing neon signs advertising sales on chips and sodas. It was as if a child had stumbled into a carnival, her wide eyes taking in every detail.
She snapped out of it, glancing my way. I noticed the way her shoulders instinctively tensed, her steps quick yet hesitant—every move tinged with a bit of underlying anxiety.
As we entered into the supermarket, I couldn't help but observe her reactions. Her eyes brightened, illuminating a face that usually wasn't often see. It was a stark contrast to the intense environment I was used to—a plush world where feelings were often left unexamined.
However, In this vibrant, bustling space, Hazel's childlike excitement seemed to reignited something within me, something warm and foreign, like a long-forgotten ember. But just as quickly, that ember flickered and dimmed as my phone buzzed in my pocket.
I pulled it out and glanced at the screen. A message from my lieutenant about Rasheed flash before my eyes, triggering a surge of rage. The idiot was already throwing a tantrum over the results of our bet. I had known from the start that he wouldn't take losing well—his pride wouldn't allow it—and here he was, proving me right.
"Grab a shopping cart," I instructed, my tone sharp, cutting through the momentary warmth. I had to switch gears, pulling myself back into this world where illicit dealings and personal interactions collided.
As she maneuvered through the array of carts, I followed closely, watching her with a mix of curiosity and something I wasn't quite ready to name. Her eyes sparkled as she absorbed the vibrant displays, the colors and the chatter around us creating a backdrop to her excitement. This place was a bright spot amid the shadows of my life. I felt like as if she deserved this—after all, she'd played a pivotal role in helping me win that bet earlier.
Earlier, when we had passed by, I'd noticed the way her gaze lingered on this supermarket, her expression momentarily transformed. For some reason, It struck me then that a simple outing could be a nice surprise that would bring a smile to her face.
Recalling her smile from before stirred something in me—a curious ache I couldn't quite decipher. It was a simple expression, yet it had lodged itself in my mind, demanding attention. I couldn't shake the thought of wanting to see that smile again, to witness the joy radiate from her as it had in that fleeting moment. It was odd....this feeling to chase after something so brief, yet it felt necessary.
The joy radiating from her reminded me of things I'd forgotten—how passing moments of happiness could breathe life into a regular day. Watching her, I felt a shift in my own demeanor, a rare crack in the carefully maintained façade I'd built for years around myself.
She suddenly stopped, hesitating a bit. I watched as she observe the crowd of people hustling through the aisles, and in that moment, I realized she was more than just shy. Perhaps she was an introvert who disliked social gatherings and crowded spaces. For a slight moment, a pang of regret washed over me for bringing her here—was this really the right choice? But that thought quickly fizzled out as a buzz from my phone redirected my attention.
