"Be careful Anastasia! You're going to walk straight into a pole or worse you might trip" Chloe said with a teasing laugh. Skipping a few steps ahead, the cold night air making her cheeks pink.

Anastasia hugged her paper bag of baking supplies to her chest, trying to keep up. "You're the one walking like you had three scoops of sugar" she said shaking her head but smiling.

She still had on her apron which had bits of flour on it, a sign of a long day at the bakery. The delicious smell of pastry still clung to her, soft and inviting.

Craig walked beside her balancing the tray of unsold bread as though it weighed nothing, his hair was in its usual messy tangle. He gave Chloe a tired look, "Chloe slow down" he said, calm but firm "if you trip I'm not carrying you all the way home"

Chloe twirled around, her ponytail swinging. "you wouldn't even have the strength to carry me all the way home anyway" she laughed.

Craig frowned giving her a not so funny look.

Anastasia chuckled "He is actually stronger than you think Chloe, now let's hurry up and go have some ice cream before the shop closes"

The small town was quiet at this hour with only a motorbike parked far away and a dog barking now and then breaking the silence.

As they passed an old fountain Anastasia looked at the soft glow of the shop light ahead. She didn't notice the broad shouldered man walking towards her direction until it was too late.

The bump was sudden and unexpected, Anastasia's bag slipped from her hands, flour spilling out and scattering across the streets.

"Oh my God I'm so sorry" Anastasia gasped, bending quickly to pick up her things.

The man stopped, tall and standing in a long black coat that brushed the ground. His ocean blue eyes looking down at her was cold, distant and with no sign of kindness or sympathy for her flour that was scattered all over the floor.

"Watch it lady" he said, his voice low and cold with sharpness.

Anastasia's hands that was trying to salvage the little she could off the floor stilled, her cheeks burning in embarrassment.

"I, I, didn't mean to" she tried apologizing again but he was already walking away, the hard sound of his shoes fading into the night.

Craig stepped forward his jaw tight. "that was really uncalled for!!" he shouted after the man's fading silhouette before crouching down to help his sister. He shoved the remaining packet of flour that they could salvage back into her bag with a little more force than necessary. "you okay sis?"

"I am fine" she quickly replied, brushing off her apron and putting on a false smile refusing to let the unpleasant encounter with the unknown man sour her mood. "it's nothing, let's just hurry up to the ice cream shop before it closes"

Chloe however wasn't done "what was with his attitude? we should have emptied some flour on his head" she grumbled, and Anastasia just gave a weak smile at her statement.

"Vanilla for me!" Chloe shouted, changing the topic to shake off the tension.

"Strawberry for me" Craig said, balancing the bread tray in his hands he glanced at Anastasia "still chocolate chip?"

"Still chocolate chip" she confirmed with a little laugh.

The bell above the ice cream shop's door jingled as they stepped inside, the sweet and delicious scents of sugar immediately welcomed them in.

"Good evening, what can I get for you?" the shopkeeper asked smiling brightly at them.

"Strawberry please" Craig said, taking out a few bills from his pocket.

"Vanilla" Chloe beamed "Chocolate chip" Anastasia added.

They took a table close to the window, each spoonful took away the day's stress. Chloe mourned in satisfaction "this is the best feeling I've had today"

Before Anastasia could reply to her comment the bell rang again.

"TASIA!!"

Anastasia turned and immediately a bright smile lit up her face "Crystal!" She stood up pulling her best friend into a warm hug "how did you know we were here?"

Crystal short length hair framed her face that seemed to radiate so much joy of seeing her best friend after not seeing her for weeks because of her busy work schedule.

On hearing Anastasia's question she winked at her "I have my ways you know, thought I'd surprise you" she said her grey eyes sparkling with mischief.

Anastasia laughed "you never change but anyways I'm so glad you are here" she parted an empty chair eagerly "sit with us"

Craig froze mid scope when crystal sat down next to him. "H...hey" he stammered then immediately dropped his spoon, it clattered against the table top earning a giggle from Anastasia.

"Hey there Craig, it's been a while" Crystal said, smiling at him.

"Yeah it has" he smiled nervously

Chloe noticed the changes in her brother, she tilted her head amused "you okay bro? you looked like you just saw a goddess" she teased

"I am fine!" he said, his voice higher than he intended it to be.

Anastasia and Chloe exchanged knowing looks, Chloe whispered "He likes her"

"I know" Anastasia whispered back, trying not to laugh out.

Anastasia and Crystal have been friends since high school. Crystal was the only one who stood by her through thick and thin, their bond grew stronger after the death of Anastasia's parents when everyone deserted them, even her parent's relatives. Crystal was the only one who was there for her. Although Crystal isn't from a wealthy family but they were comfortable, both her parents work in the same company one as a secretary and the other as a delivery man for the company.

Both Chloe and Anastasia has always noticed the slight changes in Craig whenever Crystal was around. At first they weren't sure but with each time Crystal comes to visit the suspicion became clearer, he had a soft spot for her best friend.

They were happy for him because he has never dated anyone before, but the sad part was that they were not sure Crystal felt the same way because she has never or even given as little as a reaction or sign that maybe she might like him as well.

They ordered Crystal a Strawberry cone and soon the four of them were talking and laughing over old memories and small gossips. Crystal's laughter was infectious and Craig was bewitched by her beauty. He was just so silent sitting there but was very attentive whenever she spoke.

When they were done with their ice cream Anastasia suggested they sit outside for some time. The bench under the tree was cold to the touch, the night's air clean and refreshing, the stars in the sky looked so pretty and the soft chirping of crickets filled the quiet spaces between their words.

"Look at that star over there" Chloe pointed upward "it's brighter and prettier than the others"

"Yeah it's really pretty" Anastasia agreed softly but her mind strayed briefly to the bakery. This was the second day without her oven and she hasn't been making sales like usual, and also thoughts of the little loans she has been getting from people to help assist her and her siblings, because they are currently on her neck to pay back the debt and she doesn't want to keep disturbing her friend with her burdens. She decided to push all those thoughts aside for now.

Crystal grinned suddenly "remember that time we went camping and got caught in the rain?"

Anastasia laughed "yeah I do, you screamed at a frog"

"The frog was huge" Crystal groaned, hiding her reddened cheeks.

Chloe puffed up "I would have caught it"

"No thanks" Crystal shuddered just at the thought of it and everyone burst into laughter.

Craig's gaze stayed on Crystal, the corners of his mouth lifting into a shy smile. "you don't have to be scared, you are braver than you think" he said

Crystal's eyes softened "Awwn. thank you I appreciate, and you are sweeter and so cute than your bullying sisters"

He quickly looked away his face burning. Anastasia nudged him playfully with her knee under the table, earning a glare from him which only made her grin wider.

Eventually the night deepened and they decided to head home after saying a good night to Crystal. In less than 15 minutes they got home, the familiar building comforting. Anastasia took out the keys and unlocked their apartment.

"Good night to you two" Craig said, his voice a little bit dazed.

"Yeah, sweet dreams you two" Mia said as she rushed to the stairs and into her room.

Anastasia quickly changed her outfit and slid under the blankets, fatigue pulling out her limbs and immediately she drifted off to sleep.

But the sound of a car engine woke her up. She pushed aside her curtain, her heart thudding all of a sudden.

A sleek black car was parked Idly, close to her window, the headlights off. Through the dim glass she could make out the outline of someone in the driver's seat unmoving.

And then just as quietly as it came, the car drove away into the dark.

Anastasia frowned. But on a second thought shook her head. 'probably nothing, just a late night passer by'

Even after that reassurance she gave to herself, she still couldn't sleep quite as easily that night.

"Wakey, wakey, it's bakery time Anastasia!"

Chloe's excited voice rang through Anastasia's small bedroom. Before Anastasia even had the chance to open her eyes her bed dipped, Chloe jumping and bouncing on it like a child.

The sunlight shone through the thin curtains, giving the walls a pleasant glow. The clock showing 7:30am.

Anastasia groaned pulling the blankets over her head. "It's still too early Chloe, and get down from my bed" she mumbled. She wasn't able to get a proper sleep because of last night. The slow and deliberate way that car had passed by her window, as though the person inside was watching her. she had tried convincing herself that it was nothing but the unease was still heavy in her heart

Craig knocked on her door and walked in with a grin. "Come on sis, we've got work to do. Freshen up and let's start our day"

Anastasia sat up slowly, rubbing her eyes "fine, I'm up you guys" she said forcing a little smile, although she still felt tired "let's begin our day"

They dressed quickly. Anastasia tied on her apron which was still wrinkled from yesterday while Craig wore his worn jacket and Chloe pulled her hair into a ponytail.

"Let's race, first to get to the bakery" Chloe shouted, already running towards the door

"Not fair, you tricky little sister of mine!" Craig laughed, chasing after her.

Anastasia smiled following them at a slower pace. The refreshing morning air brushing against her face, the street was still so quiet with only few shopkeepers sweeping their storefronts. She kept her thoughts on the day ahead hoping for only positive things to happen.

Immediately they got to the bakery Craig took out the keys from his pocket, the metal lock clicking loudly in the still air. They stepped inside, the faintest smell of yesterday's bread and pastries still lingered

"Let's start with the dough" Anastasia said, after they finish cleaning the bakery.

"Alright" Chloe said, clapping her hands together. She moved to the counter taking out bags of flour and sugar.

Craig lit the old oven they had been managing, thankfully the repairman was coming back tomorrow. The slow warmth of the oven began to fill the kitchen "Need help with the mixing?" he asked Anastasia

"Yes please, thank you" Anastasia said, handing a bowl to him. Soon the sound of spoons scraping metal and flour puffing into the air filled the kitchen of the bakery

"Be careful Craig" Anastasia shouted when he almost spilled the cookie dough on the floor.

"Oops, sorry" Craig replied with a guilty grin.

Chloe laughed as she rolled the dough. "You two are impossible"

"Let's make more pizza" said Chloe "you know Mr. James always likes your pizza and asks for extra whenever he comes sis"

"Yeah that's true I'll make more"

"Good morning children, are you guys open yet" Mrs. Justine elderly familiar voice called, she lived close to the bakery.

"Morning to you too ma'am, we aren't open yet for customers since we are still baking more pastries and cookies but come in" Anastasia replied unlocking the door.

"Okay that's fine, but I hope croissants are available right?" she asked with her usual kind and motherly smile.

"Yes ma'am it is" Anastasia said while she wrapped and packaged the croissants giving it to the elderly lady.

"Thank you child, by the way it smells so good in here" Mrs. Justine said while paying for the croissants and then leaving the bakery with a wave.

When Chloe went to check the pantry, her cheerful face dropped "Uh... Anastasia we are almost out of baking powder and baking soda"

"What?!" Anastasia frowned, walking over and she saw the nearly empty container and what is left wouldn't even carry them to make even as little as a single cookie. They had just little savings left for their upkeep. She sighed, "Alright let me run to the market and go get it, you two keep going"

"Hurry up" Chloe said, saluting playfully "we've got pizza to make"

Anastasia faintly smiled, grabbing her small bag and stepping into the street. The sun was brighter now and the market buzzing with the chatters of sellers and their customers.

She immediately headed to the store selling baking ingredients.

"Baking soda and baking powder" she murmured to herself finally spotting where the baking soda and baking powder are being kept. The prize made her wince "we will have to make this last" she thought, paying the vendor.

As she turned to leave she collided into someone, her bag slipping from her hand and the baking soda falling to the floor

"Gosh I'm so sorry" she quickly said, crouching down to pick it up.

When she looked up she froze

He was one of the most handsome men she had ever seen, if not the most handsome. she couldn't stop herself from checking him out

The man was tall wearing a black coat that fit perfectly over his broad shoulders with his jet black hair and sharp jaws. He had the face that could make heads turn, unfortunately his expression was as unwelcoming and cold as winter. The most beautiful features on his face was his eyes, it was as though he could look into someone's soul with those eyes and the color of his eyes was a beautiful ocean blue. Immediately something made her pause in her observation

'Wait, this eyes look familiar, where have I seen them' she thought while still staring at his face, and that's when it clicked. She widened her eyes when she remembered he was the same guy she bumped into the other day. She couldn't recognize him immediately because it was late in the night that day and she was also nervous, so she didn't get the time to really study his looks that night.

The man frowned at her "Do you always stare at all strangers like that or are you just some kind of pervert" the voice deep and edged with mockery just like that day.

His words stunned her. Anastasia wasn't someone who was quick to anger, she was known and liked for her peaceful nature but today for the first time and for some reason someone was riling her up and it was a stranger.

"Hey!" she said, standing upright while balancing her bag on her shoulder and also holding the packaged baking powder and soda tightly. "I said sorry you don't have to be so rude sir"

He arched one side of his eyebrow "I am rude? you're the one gawking. Maybe try learning how to control yourself" he took a step closer, his gaze unflinching "or at least learn how to walk without bumping into people"

Her cheeks burned in embarrassment "It was an accident okay? so stop acting like such a jerk!" she snapped, and without waiting for a reply she turned sharply and walked away, her steps quick and heavy. The man still stood there staring at the back of Anastasia as she walked away.

By the time Anastasia got back to the bakery she was still fuming, she set the baking powder and soda down harder than necessary.

"Whoa" Chloe jumped back "why the face sis, what happened?"

Craig glanced up from his phone "yeah, you look ready to explode, what's the matter?"

Anastasia took a deep breath "I bumped into that cold and arrogant guy again, the one from the other night, and this time not only was his expression so unwelcoming but he also called me a pervert and that I'm someone who can't control myself just because I stared at him"

Chloe's mouth hung open "No way, that's twice now someone and same person has gotten under your skin in just one week. You rarely get mad at people no matter what they do to you but look at how you're getting mad at a stranger" she laughed, "but why is the guy so rude though?"

Craig smirked "I guess he's got a special talent for getting under her skin"

"Not funny Craig and did you guys even listened to anything I said? I said he call me a pervert" Anastasia said, although the corners of her lips betrayed a small smile. She sighed when they still said nothing but instead were giving a mischievous smile. "Let's just forget that" and immediately she said that, they both laughed.

The tension slowly lifted as they worked and the atmosphere was lively again, filling the bakery with the delicious smell of pizza, croissants and bread.

The bell above the door jingled and Crystal walked in, her bright red pants a lovely contrast to the white tiled walls.

"Good morning everyone" she said giving Anastasia a hug

"Good morning to you too bestie, I'm surprised to see you coming to my bakery so early this morning" Anastasia said with a grin.

"Thought I could help you guys out with some stuffs here at the bakery" Crystal replied "hi there Chloe, hi there Craig" she greeted

"Hello Crystal, good morning" Chloe greeted back, then she pointed to the dough, "here, would you come join and role this with me?"

"Sure" Crystal tied on an apron, chatting easily as she worked.

On the other hand Tom kept sneaking glances at her, though he quickly looks away whenever their eyes meet. Anastasia noticed it but just smiled and didn't see anything.

before long everything was ready.

"They smell amazing" Crystal said excitedly, reaching out for one

"It's still too hot" Anastasia said, laughing at Crystal 's pouts as she pulled the tray away.

By the time the customers arrived, the shelves were full and the bakery was lively with warmth.

Outside the bakery at a secluded area parked far enough not to draw attention was a black car, its windows tinted and its engine silent. From the inside a shadowed figure watched them through the glass. The car was there till night time, and when the bakery finally closed the car rolled away slowly leaving behind an uneasy feeling that it won't be peaceful for long.

The Williams mansion's grand living room dance in the soft morning sunlight getting in through the windows at exactly 9:00 AM. Lady Veronica, wife to Victor Williams, one of the most prestigious man in the city sat upright on an embroidered armchair, a sleek dress draped flawlessly around her. At 50 she still carried herself with grace, her aura that of strength and screaming old money, her hair styled to perfection

"We need to find a wife for my son, I am not getting younger any more" she lamented her voice cutting through the silence "did you do what I asked you to?"

"Her young assistant Jane, stood beside her with a notepad and some photos "yes ma'am I have gathered some photos of some young girls from good and wealthy families for you to look at she held up the first picture carefully "this young lady is from the brunt family-"

"Definitely not!" she shouted, cutting her assistant off "just the name of that family is already enough to scare me away, who names their family brunt huh?? I don't want a girl from such a family bearing such family name before my son starts suffering consequences without knowing why he is suffering them. Next!" she whimpered us though the thought alone was unbearable.

The assistant, Jane, quickly flipped to another photo "how about this one? she's from the Jeremy's family-"

"No she looks too materialistic, she will spend all my son's money in a year, next"

Jane sighed, flipping to the third photo "ma'am take a look at this girl, she's so pretty from the Richard family. She's -"

"Don't go further, the Richard family as a whole are nothing but trouble. Always wanting to compete with my family. I don't want any one from my family to have anything to do with any one from that family" Lady Veronica said in a dismissive tone.

"My nephew is already married and I'm sure very soon the wife might get pregnant and my son Charles is even yet to settle down, "I want a grandchild while I am still young enough to hold him or her" she whined like a child.

"But you're already old" the assistant muttered

"Hmm? Did you say something?"

Jane bowed her head respectfully, lowering her eyes " Absolutely not ma'am" She quickly said.

Lady Veronica eyed her suspiciously but decided not to push further "Alright"

"But ma'am we have gone through most of the prominent families, what kind of girl exactly are you looking for?"

Lady Veronica leaned backward into the chair "An honest and a virtuous woman, someone not blinded by money and power" she paused, a thoughtful look crossing her face "Ah, I just remembered my friend Mrs. Justine. She recommended a small bakery for me to try out called Peterson's bakes, she also said the owner of the bakery is a young lady that is very hard looking, kind and down to earth. Mrs. Justine told me about the girl when I told her I was looking for a partner for my son

Jane looked up a little surprise "An ordinary baker ma'am? that would be unusual for the Williams family"

"Unusual is exactly what Charles needs" Lady Veronica said, a little bit excited to meet the girl at Peterson's Bakes. "but first call my son, tell him I want him to take me out today, I want to go to the bakery to go see the girl myself"

In an office far away from the Williams mansion, Charles Williams sat on a large desk, papers neatly arranged, the morning light reflecting on his well defined face. His phone rang and he picked it up with his usual calm voice "yes?"

"Son it's your mother" came lady Veronica's excited voice "I want you to take me somewhere today.

He faintly smiled, already having a feeling where this was leading to. "I have an important meeting with the board this morning mom, can it wait?"

"No it can't son, it's really important to take me out to where I want to go. If you don't come I promise to call you every two minutes"

"A quick chuckle left his lips "all right, I promise to be there in an hour"

"that's my boy" she said before hanging up.

At exactly an hour later Charles arrived at the Williams mansion. Lady Veronica was already waiting at the entrance of the door tapping her foot impatiently.

"You came late" she said, narrowing her eyes. "you should be faster for your mother"

"I came as quickly as I could mom" he replied with a helpless smile

"Hmph" she muttered, grabbing her purse "come on let's go we shouldn't waste more time"

In the car Lady Veronica wasted no time in launching into her mission "Son don't you have any intentions of getting married" she said sadly, my nephew who is your cousin is already married and sometimes I envy my brother because he might soon become a grandpa while I'm here and my son is even yet to get married" she sniffed dramatically

He kept his gaze on the road but there was a certain glint in his eyes that came fast and went away "let's not rush things mother"

She shook her head but decided not to say anything more.

They passed through the buzzing streets, the city lively with midweek energy

"Where are we headed" Charles finally asked

"To Peterson's bakes, it's a new bakery in town or more like a bakery we never knew of since we always ordered everything and never went out to get them ourselves, Mrs. Justine said they make the best pastries so I want to go try it out"

Charles shook his head "Mum you should really cut down on your sugar intake, don't you think so?"

"Hmm, maybe I will when you also promise me to finally get married" she said stubbornly

He sighed, getting tired of the conversation "Mother you know I'm just twenty six right?"

"Yes I know but the earlier you get married the better it is so I can carry my grandchildren".

He became speechless and didn't know what else to say.

A few minutes later, a sleek black car pulled up outside Peterson's bakes, the simple little shop stood at the side of the street.

Inside Anastasia was cleaning the counter, her apron dusted with flour. The morning had been so busy and stressful but now she finally had a moment to breathe. The bell at the entrance of the door jingled and she immediately looked up expecting another customer.

Instead two prominent figures walked in, one was a tall handsome man in a crisp dark suit who was Charles Williams, the other a woman whose bubbly energy filled the small shop instantly, Lady Veronica.

Anastasia straightened up nervously, not knowing who they were but sensing their importance "um good afternoon, welcome to Peterson's Bakes, how may I help you"

Lady Veronica's sharp eyes swept over the shelves of bread, cookies and pastries and finally landed on Anastasia, she quietly studied her for some minutes before speaking "Are you the one who owns this place dear"

"Yes ma'am, my mother started it but I take care of everything now"

Something softened in Veronica's gaze "that's good, I love it when I see the younger ones of today working hard"

Anastasia blinked unsure of what to say. She glanced at Charles who was watching her with a calm unreadable expression, the subtle tremor of her hands didn't escape his notice.

"Can I get some croissants please" Lady Veronica continued "my friend Mrs. Justine tells me your pastries are the best in town, I'm sure you know her"

Anastasia smiled a little "yes ma'am I know her, she's one of my regular customers"

"That's good, I really can't wait to taste your croissants"

Anastasia glanced at the tray smiling apologetically "Croissants is one of our most rushed pastries, so sorry ma'am we have just one left. If you don't mind I could give it to you, you don't have to pay" she said carefully placing it on a plate.

"Aww, you're such a lovely young lady". Lady Veronica took a bite and her eyes brightened "this is really delicious" she said "you definitely have magic in your hands child, what's your name?"

"Thanks for the compliment ma'am and my name is Anastasia" she replied softly smiling.

"What a nice name you have there, and how old are you?"

"Twenty One ma'am"

Lady Veronica's face lit up "that's a perfect match!"

Anastasia brows knitted slightly in confusion, she didn't understand what this elegant stranger was talking about.

Charles finally spoke, his voice low and steady, so only his mother could hear "Mother you should perhaps let her breathe, she doesn't know who we are"

"Well not for long" she whispered back.

Charles sighed, not knowing what else to say to his mother. As they sat at a small table, Anastasia served them some juice. The bakery was quiet but soothing. The hum of the refrigerator the loudest sound.

Moments later Craig and Chloe came in through the back door "Need a helping hand" Craig asked already tying his apron

"Nahh, not really, but thanks for asking" Anastasia continued "and yh, we have got guests" she nodded toward Lady Veronica and Charles

Craig and Chloe walked towards them "Good day sir and ma'am" They both greeted.

"Good day to you also" Lady Veronica smiled warmly at them. "If I'm guessing correctly then you are both Anastasia's siblings right?"

"Yes ma'am" Chloe answered smiling.

"What are your names"

"Chloe ma'am"

"Craig ma'am"

"Such lovely names, and I must say you both have such a talented sister"

"Yeah I know right, thank you" Craig said with so much pride for his sister.

Anastasia's face flushed a little.

"I am Lady Veronica Victor Williams, and this is my son Charles Victor Williams. We actually came here because I wanted to see you, Anastasia, with my own eyes"

"Both Anastasia and her siblings mouth hung open. Who doesn't know the Williams family, the second most prestigious and powerful family in the city, and yet here they are standing in her small bakery.

"Me?" Anastasia asked softly, not understanding the part of her saying she wanted to see her with her own eyes. She was just an ordinary girl who ran a bakery.

"Yes dear, don't worry and you don't have to think too much about it, as time goes by you will understand why I said that. But just know this" she paused then continued "you are very unique and different from other girls your age that I have seen"

"Thank you ma'am" Anastasia replied, although she was still a little bit confused and nervous.

Charles pretended to focus on his drink but his eyes kept darting toward Anastasia as though trying to read her thoughts.

Lady Veronica finished her croissant, totally satisfied "I would really love to come again some time, I wish to taste your bread fresh from the oven"

Anastasia nodded "that's no problem ma'am" she said, thankful that her oven was finally fixed and in a perfect condition.

"Alright then see you next time" she said, smiling at Anastasia.

Anastasia simply nodded again "you too ma'am, have a great day"

Charles just nodded at them, and after that, they both left. Anastasia sank into her chair totally exhausted, Craig pulled up beside her "you okay?"

She exhaled slowly, totally ignoring the weird visit of Lady Veronica and her son. "Just thinking, we really don't have much money left with us, our house rent utilities, I haven't paid the repairman and suppliers also. Chloe's school will soon be resuming and there is no money for her fees. The little money we make can only let us to feed ourselves and run the household.

Chloe's smile faded but she still comforted Anastasia "we will definitely figure something out"

Craig nodded "yeah we will, we are all in this together"

"Thank you guys" Anastasia said, smiling appreciatively. They all enveloped themselves in a warm hug.

***

That evening at the Williams estate, Charles stood by his window with a glass of wine in hand, deep in thoughts.

Lady Veronica walked into his room, radiant with certainty "She's perfect Charles, don't you think you should give it a try?"

He gave her a small smile "Let's not get ahead of ourselves mum, besides you might even scare the poor girl away with how fast you are taking everything and we can't just conclude about someone's character or personality just by one day meeting" he chuckled

"Well you can't blame me, hurry up because girls like that are rare to see and another guy might approach her while you are taking your sweet time trying to get everything slow"

Charles chuckled again but said nothing else, his mother shook her head and decided to leave his room.

"Goodnight son, think about what I said"

As soon as his mother left his room his smile dropped, a certain glint of determination in his eyes.