Chapter 16 – A Little Bit of Magic
Olivia’s Povi
e to stand beside me,
calm and
I stared, frozen, as Chase walked toward us, smiling as if nothing in the world could bother him. He came to confident
Elena and Rosa burst into laughter.
“Isn’t that the same gutter trash Olivia picked up? Elena sneered.”
“Look at him, dressed up like a clown” Rosa added, tossing her hair. “And he has the nerve to call us trash
Rose’s little face turned red with anger. She stepped forward, fists clenched.
“Don’t talk about my father like that!” she said loudly
The whole store seemed to go quiet
Elena and Rosa exchanged shocked looks. Then Elena smirked and said, “Now I see! That brat belongs to Chase! That’s why Olivia picked them both
Rosa cackled “Of course! Who else would take in a bastard child and a homeless man?“X
I felt my hands shaking, but before I could say anything, Chase knelt beside Rose
“Don’t worry, sweetheart,” he whispered, winking at her. “Want to see a magic trick?“%
Rose wiped her eyes and nodded quickly.
Chase stood up and faced Elena and Rosa. His voice was calm, almost playful.
“You see, trash like you doesn’t deserve to breathe the same air as my beautiful wife and daughter.” Another round of ugly laughter came from Elena and Rosa. Rosa waved at a nearby security guard
“Hey! Get this tramp out of here!” she barked.
The security man walked over his face uncertain as he looked at Chase. Then, surprisingly, he stepped back and shook his head.
“I can’t do that,” he said.
“What do you mean you can’t?!” Elena shrieked. “You idiot! Are you blind? Throw him out!“)
Other security guards appeared, but none of them moved toward Chase.
Instead, Chase pointed at Elena and Rosa. “You heard me. Take them out. Put them where they belong.
The first security man hesitated only for a second. Then, he nodded to the others.}
Before Elena and Rosa could react, the guards grabbed them, dragging them toward the entrance.}
“What are you doing?! Let go of me! Rosa screamed, kicking.||
“This isn’t over, Olivia!” Elena screeched, her voice shrill. “You’ll regret this
They were tossed out of the store like unwanted garbage.
The whole store buzzed with whispers and shocked faces.
I turned to Chase, blinking in confusion.
“How. How did you do that?” I asked, barely able to believe my eyes.
Cynthia clutched Rose in her arms, looking just as stunned. “Chase, what just happened?” she asked.)
Chase laughed, ruffling Rose’s hair.
“A little bit of magic,” he said with a wink.
Rose clapped her hands, giggling happily. “The wicked witches are gonell
I chuckled at her cuteness, shaking my head. “Cynthia,” I said, “take her. Let’s find her all the pretty dresses she wants
Cynthia smiled and led Rose away, both of them laughing as they disappeared into the racks of clothes.!!
When they were gone, I turned to Chase, my smile fading.
I crossed my arms. “Alright. Start talking. Where have you been? How did you pull that off?“%
Chase only grinned. “Why so serious? Loosen up a bit, Olivia.”
I frowned harder. “Don’t play games, Chase. You could get hurt.“}
He stepped closer, his eyes serious now “I know this world more than you think.”
I shook my head. “You don’t. Elenu and Rose… they’re dangerous. You have no idea what they can do. I’m just trying to protect you.”
Chase reached out, gently cupping my cheeks with his hand. His touch was warm, steady
“I’m your husband now” he said softly. “It’s my job to protect you.”
His words hit something deep inside me. His eyes held so much sincerity, so much unspoken promise:
My heart pounded as our faces drew closer I could feel his breath on my skin. Our lips were inches apart–E
“Mommy! Daddy Look! Rose’s loud voice rang out
We jumped apart, my face burning with embarrassment.
Rose ran toward us, holding up a frilly pink dress, her face shining with happiness E
fi found the prettiest dress ever!” she cried
taden ta kida kia muum sudumulance Thukad mu hair kahind mu an faolina luba a inamaana nasin. V
Chase laughed, trying to hide his own awkwardness. I tucked my hair behind my ear feeling like a teenager again. “That’s that’s beautiful, sweetie. I managed to say
Cynthia smiled behind her, carrying more bags. I
“We’re not done yet Cynthia said teasingly. “This little princess still has a few more dresses to try.”
Chase leaned closer to me and whispered, “Saved by the bell”
I shot him a playful glare, but my heart was still racing.
