CHAPTER SIX: THE PULL OF CURIOSITY
590 Words
Brian tried to continue his work, but his mind kept drifting back to the business card on his table. Emily O. Bookstore. Something about the brief encounter stayed with him longer than it should have. Not in a romantic way—just a quiet curiosity tugging at him.
Eventually, he gave in. He stood, reached for his coat hanging neatly on the stand, and grabbed his car keys. As he stepped into the hallway, employees greeted him respectfully.
“Good evening, sir.”
“Good night, sir.”
He nodded, giving short instructions approve a delivery, move samples to the design room, reschedule a meeting. Then he walked out, entered his sleek black car, and drove through the soft glow of the evening city.When he arrived at the address on the card, he parked and walked toward the warm-lit bookstore. The bell chimed softly as he entered, and the comforting scent of paper and vanilla candles greeted him. The place was beautiful wooden shelves, soft lighting, a cozy reading corner, and a colourful children’s section filled with picture books and animal-shaped cushions.
Lucas would love this, he thought.
A sales rep attended to him, helping him pick out two books for his son. While they were chatting, Brian asked casually, “Who owns the place?”
“That would be Mrs. Emily,” she replied. “She doesn’t come every day, but she stops by at least twice a week.”
Brian nodded, collected the books, and left, still quietly thoughtful as he drove home.
His mansion stood behind tall secured gates, guarded by trained officers. Well-lit pathways, trimmed hedges, and a glowing fountain made the compound look elegant and grand. As soon as he drove in, the guards saluted him.A maid rushed toward him as he stepped into the house.
“Good evening, sir. Welcome.”
“Good evening. Where’s Lucas?”
“He’s sleeping, sir.”Brian nodded and pulled the children’s books from his coat. “Give these to him when he wakes up.”
“Yes, sir.”
He headed upstairs, took a quick shower, changed into comfortable clothes, and came back down for dinner. He ate quietly, lost in thought until soft footsteps sounded behind him.
He looked up.
Lucas, sleepy eyed in his tiny pajamas, walked out holding one of the books with both hands.
“Daddy, look!” he said excitedly.
Brian’s expression softened instantly. He stood and knelt as Lucas ran into his arms.
“You like it?” Brian asked.
“Yes! Teacher said we read more stories so I can be super smart!” Lucas replied in that adorable five-year-old way, waving his arms dramatically.
Brian laughed. “Well, you’ll be the smartest kid ever. How was school today?”
“It was fun! We painted! And I made a robot but Miss Jenna said it looked like a potato.” He frowned dramatically.
Brian chuckled. “A potato robot sounds perfect.”Lucas grinned proudly. “Can we read this one tonight?”
“Of course,” Brian said softly. “Go wait on the couch. Daddy will finish his food and join you”. Lucas nodded and ran off excitedly.
After dinner, Brian read the first pages of the book with him, then tucked him into bed. Lucas wrapped his small arms around his neck.
“Goodnight, Daddy.”
“Goodnight, champ.”
Brian turned off the lights quietly and stepped out of the room, unaware that the simple encounter at the supermarket would soon change everything.
- Writer
