The Gates of Aurega Series #1: BOUND FOR LIFE

I. Manus in Mano

CHAPTER 1:

GWENDOLYN'S POV

The bell chimed, signaling a newcomer that I haven't really expected to arrive at lunch break. Especially since I put the closed sign at the door. Yet here he is... Tall. Skin as white as snow, a perfect contrast to his dark tousled hair. Definitely handsome, even if half of his face is hidden in his sunglasses. It's not that I'm checking him out, I just really have a good eye. The man started looking around my shop, so I decided to introduce myself and ask him why he chose this specific hour to order flowers. It's lunchtime and the children are already waiting for me. I am a punctual person. And besides, it is my lunch break. I deserve a rest.

"Good afternoon, sir. I'm afraid that my shop is closed for the afternoon as I will be having my lunch now. But the person who will replace my shift will be here within an hour. Will it be alright for you to come back later?" I asked the man who was still busy looking around the shop as if he didn't notice my presence. Sighs, why am I always the invisible one?

Before I could even call his attention, he sharply turned to face me.

"Ten red carnations. Just wrap it in a yellow ribbon." He then pulled out a paper from his pocket. "I wrote the address in this paper. I want it delivered now." What the hell... he can't boss me around while I'm having my lunch.

I was taken aback, but I need to compose myself because he is still a possible customer I need to please. "Sir," I said in a firm tone, yet with a smile plastered on my face. Customers are always right, Gwen. Calm down. "As I told you earlier, it is my lunch break, Sir. Please---"

"I heard you. But I need those flowers right now. Do you hear me, Gwendolyn?"

I was stunned by the sudden change of tone. It doesn't sound like he is bossing me around anymore, instead, it sounded more like an absolute order. And wait... why did he know my name?

"Why... why do you know my name?"

His gaze went from my face straight down to my chest. Is he really checking me out now? He is starting to get on my nerves. And I am usually polite to customers even if they are demanding at times!

"I saw it... in your nameplate" I almost blush when he clarified the obvious misunderstanding painted on my face. Totes embarrassing. "Will you do my order now? It's really important... That stupid messenger forgot to bring me my carnations..." My eyebrows creased when I heard him mumbling the last words he said... But oh well. Seems like he wouldn't give up, so I better do his order and hope for a hefty payment.

"Okay. I would do it." He hands me the piece of paper and the payment. Thank the heavens that he decided to add a tip since this order is a hassle for me. "Uh. Can I get your contact number so I can text you once I delivered the order?" He pointed at the paper, so I looked at it, seeing a familiar address and a contact number. The church near the orphanage?

And when I looked at him again to confirm the address, he was gone. As if he was never been there.