The morning sun streamed through the living room windows, casting warm light across the polished floors. Elara was tying her sneakers while Maya fidgeted with her bag.
"Mall?" Elara asked, a faint smile tugging at her lips.
Maya nodded. "Yeah. A few things we need. Plus, you deserve some more… self-love therapy."
Elara rolled her eyes playfully. "Self-love therapy, huh?"
"You're welcome," Maya said with a grin.
They were just stepping out of the house when Aaron emerged from the study, sharp in a crisp shirt and perfectly tailored trousers. His eyes swept over Elara, lingering for a heartbeat longer than necessary.
Elara noticed immediately.
She felt heat rise to her cheeks but didn't flinch.
Maya, however, didn't miss it. Her eyebrows shot up, a teasing smirk forming.
"Well, well…" she murmured. "Looks like someone approves of what we're wearing today."
Elara rolled her eyes, brushing it off. "Ignore him."
Maya laughed quietly. "I'm just saying… you've clearly caught his attention. Don't act like you didn't notice."
Elara shook her head and turned away, unbothered.
⸻
The mall was bustling. The chatter of shoppers mixed with the soft hum of the air conditioning. They walked into a boutique, browsing racks and racks of clothes.
"I think this one would look amazing on you," Maya said, holding a deep red blouse up against Elara.
Elara smiled softly. "Thanks, Maya. You're too sweet."
Maya grinned. "Sweetness is my specialty."
After a while, Maya excused herself to the restroom. "Be right back. Don't burn the place down while I'm gone!"
Elara chuckled and continued browsing alone.
⸻
That's when Leon appeared.
Or, rather, he appeared to be accidental.
He bumped into her sharply, and in the process, a small bottle of water he was holding tipped over, drenching the front of Elara's dress.
"Oh my—!" Elara exclaimed, her hand going to the wet fabric.
"I—I am so sorry," Leon stammered, his tone polished, his expression apologetic. "I should have watched where I was going. Please, let me pay for the dry cleaning—or the dress if it's ruined."
Elara shook her head quickly. "No, it's okay. Really, accidents happen. Don't worry about it."
Leon smiled faintly, a hint of something unreadable in his gaze, and nodded.
"Are you sure?" he pressed, but there was a subtle charm in his tone, layered with something sharper—an unreadable undercurrent.
"I'm sure," Elara repeated gently, giving a small smile. "I'll clean it up myself."
She turned and excused herself, her composure intact despite the sudden disruption.
⸻
Leon watched her walk away.
A smirk slowly curved his lips, one of those rare, quiet smirks that carried a plan behind it. He pulled out his phone and quickly typed a message.
"She's… exactly as you said. This will be easier than expected."
A moment later, he hit send.
⸻
Meanwhile, Maya returned from the restroom, her brow immediately furrowing when she saw Elara standing alone, fingers brushing at the damp spot on her dress.
"What happened?" she asked, concerned.
Elara glanced at her, forcing a light smile. "Just… an accident."
Maya squinted, unconvinced, her protective instincts kicking in.
Before she could press further, Leon melted into the crowd, disappearing almost entirely from sight.
Elara shook her head slightly, letting out a soft breath.
And somewhere in the shadows, the plan had begun.