Married into Alpha Lord

Chapter 44

University's building is basically inside the city, so it only takes a few minutes to reach the central area. It's Friday afternoon so the market is not as crowded as it is on the weekend. I invite him to have lunch before we stroll the area.

"Do you have somewhere you want to visit?" I asked him while paying for our lunch. "Not really," Caden replied, picking up the business card on the counter before we walked out.

"It's delicious, we don't have something similar in the North?" he asked. "I'm glad you like it, sadly we don't," I answered. The restaurant where we ate our lunch is relatively new, offering menus that can't be found anywhere else. He just nodded and follow me behind.

We start to walk nearby. I led him to the market area where most stores gathered. I first walk slightly in front but then Caden starts to take interest and walk ahead of me. Most of the time, he only windows shopping, getting interested in several stores, and trying to peek inside to see what they offer. Sometimes, he goes in to see products sold in closer looks. I smiled every time he suddenly halts and asks me to explain to him the products that the store is selling.

We spend quite a long time in the bookstores, where he goes shelves by shelves, picking and putting out the books before he grabs some and brings it to the counter. "What did you buy?" I asked, peeking inside the paper bag that the shopkeeper prepared. "Just random books and some stationary," Caden answered, picking the bag and walking outside. 

"By the way, I've been curious about this," he started as we continue strolling down. "Are there some kind of online marketplace?"

"Online marketplace?" I asked, unfamiliar with the term.

"You know. a site where you can buy things through your computer and get it delivered?" he explained briefly.

Huh? What a unique idea, but... "Who's lazy enough to shop like that?" I said. Caden only shrugged and continued walking in front.

We spend the rest of our walks visiting a few more stores. Caden doesn't buy anything else, but he spends quite some time in an antique shop where he took interest in an old typewriter. Afterward, he said he already tired and asked for a cafe to take rest. We spent the rest of the afternoon inside the cafe where he slowly gulped down his cold latte.

"Let's head back, Darren," Caden said after finishing his drink. "I haven't finished packing my belongings and we need to have dinner."

I look at my watch. "I have one last place I want to show you," I said. Caden raise his eyebrow, asking for detail but I just gave him a smile and hold his hand towards our destination.

We reach our destination after a good thirty minutes of hiking from the ground. Caden silently walks beside me, able to catch up pretty well, but I sense a little annoyance as he needs to carry the books. I offer my help to bring the bag but he kindly rejects it, saying that he needs to take responsibility for the things he bought.

Reaching the peak, the scenery of the whole capital city warmly greets us. Glittered with the gold color of the evening's sun, making it look more mesmerizing. The breeze of wind from this higher place soothes the tiredness before.

"At least it is worth the effort," Caden said as he put down the bag and enjoyed the view beside me. This small park on the hill where I can see the beautiful landmark of the city from the above is very quiet. I encountered this place by accident when I was young and it has always been my secret comfort place here in the capital. As this place is very secluded, currently, it is only us around.

Caden pulls out a notebook and a pen, then starts writing and drawing on it. I let him be unbothered while enjoying the sight of his beauty all by myself. The breezy wind makes his soft hair dance. His eyes focus on the scenery before he looks down and continues writing in his notebook. I enjoy this silent space until the sun is almost set. I should spend more time with him like this.