Chapter two: Unexpected encounter

He knelt down and patted her back, his gesture helped in soothing her anxiety and helping her feel more at ease.

As he continued to comfort her, Kylie tugged on his shirt.

A few minutes later, they heard voices outside the elevator.

The lights flickered back on, and the young man banged on the door.

"People are inside! Open the damn door!" he demanded in a thunderous voice.

He removed his coat and draped it over her shoulders, helping her stand. Kylie wished he would hold her a moment longer.

When the door finally opened, Kylie's first sight was Dustin and a few men in black, along with technicians who had repaired the elevator.

As they stepped out, the young man gently released his hold on her. She grasped his hand and smiled, "Thank you."

He nodded in response and left with the group of men in black.

Kylie watched him until he was out of sight. Dustin observing her, couldn't believe his eyes. This was the first time Kylie had gazed at a man with such admiration.

His jaw dropped as he called out "Kylie Robert! He's out of sight now, you can stop looking. Your friend is standing right beside you."

Kylie glared at him. "How did you get here so quickly?" "The escalator," he replied. "What happened in there? Give me the full details, and don't leave anything out."

Kylie's ears turned red as she smiled. "The young man covered me with his coat while I was having a panic attack."

"Oh Kylie dear, you don't look like someone who just had a panic attack. You look like someone who got struck by love," Dustin teased.

Kylie smacked his hand. "Stop talking nonsense, Dustin." "Alright my darling Khy, let me take you home. You need rest after that panic attack, not because you're in love," Dustin said sarcastically.

Kylie glared at him. "Dustin you're so unserious! I wasn't struck by love."

He chuckled. "I did not say anything, darling. Why are you getting all defensive?"

Kylie's face grew sullen. "You know exactly what you are doing." "Why the sulking? I was just teasing," he said, laughing.

"Stop laughing at me. It's annoying," she said with a half-smile.

He nodded. "Yes darling, can we go home now? We can always come back for shopping another time."

She nodded. "Are you sure you are okay with that?"

"Sure I am ," he replied. "Carry me sissy, I'm too weak to walk," she said with a sweet smile.

Dustin could never resist that smile. "Alright, my darling Kylie." He lifted her onto his back,and they walked out of the mall together.

Outside, their chatter caught the attention of someone watching from a car.

"Boss Rome, everything is done. We can leave now," one of the guards said.

The man in the car nodded and signaled his chauffeur. They drove off.

Kylie and Dustin got into the car and Dustin drove her home. When they arrived he ensured she was comfortably settled in her room before saying his goodbyes to her and Mr Robert, who was in his study.

A few minutes after Dustin left, Mr. Robert walked to Kylie's room, his face etched with concern.

"What happened my dear?" Seeing his worried expression, Kylie's eyes shifted downward, her brow furrowing slightly. She bit her lip and avoided direct eye contact.

"Kylie we promised no secrets and no lies.

Tell me the truth what happened?"

Kylie took a deep breath and recounted the day's events, including the incident in the elevator and how the young man had helped her.

Mr. Robert noticed Kylie's bright smile as she described the young man patting her back and holding her close. His daughter, who rarely spoke about men seemed to have genuine admiration for this one. Could she have a crush? He decided not to press further.

"Do you want Papa to accompany you tonight?" he asked.

"Papa, I'm twenty two years old , I'm not a teenager or a baby anymore. I can sleep on my own,"

Kylie replied shyly.

He laughed.

"You will always be my little baby, even when you're in your forties."

A dimpled smile appeared on her face. "I love you, Papa."

He kissed her forehead and smiled. "I love you, my little Khy.

You should get some rest now." With that, he left the room.

After dragging herself to the shower, Kylie lay down in bed, her mind occupied with thoughts of his deep voice, his face, his touch, and his scent. She could not understand why she felt this way, she had never experienced such feelings for anyone before.

"Too bad I did not get his name," she whispered softly to herself.

Unable to sleep, she decided to draw. An accomplished artist, she used drawing as a hobby and chose to sketch the young man who had occupied her thoughts.

Once she finished the drawing, she lay back on her bed as sleep slowly took over her.

******

The next morning, Kylie wanted to thank him properly but had no idea how to find him or even his name. She decided to visit the mall alone, hoping to either see him again or gather some information about him.

She showed the staff the portrait she had drawn, but their answers were unhelpful.

Determined, she tried again the following day, with the same result-no useful information about him.

Kylie drove to Dustin's spa. He was good at getting information about people, but she was hesitant to tell him because he would likely tease her about her feelings for the guy.

"Kylie, do you need something from me? Dustin asked, noticing her troubled look.

She paused then pulled out the portrait. "Can you help me find him."

Dustin burst into laughter. "Kylie, you hardly ever draw anyone, but you drew this cutie from the mall. Are you in love?"

Knowing he would tease her, she glared at him. "Stop it, Dustin. am not in love. I just feel indebted to him and want to repay him for helping me. That's all."

Dustin chuckled recognizing her feelings even if she would not admit it. "Alright my dear, i will help you find him, but there's one condition."

"What condition?" she asked.

"You will have to go on a date with a straight friend of mine who likes you," he said.

"Come on Dustin, do you have to do this?" she protested.

"If you don't agree, then I won't look for your Prince Charming " he replied.

She glared angrily and smacked his hand. "He's not my Prince Charming Fine, I will go."

He smiled. "You won't regret going on this date, my darling."