“Hello!” a bright, overly enthusiastic voice called out behind me.
Startled, I turned around quickly—and instantly recognized the man walking toward me. It was the same guy from the boutique the other day, the one with the charming smile and easy confidence. But this time, his grin faltered the moment he saw my face.
His brows pulled together as he took a slow step closer. “Did you… get hit by a car or something?” he asked, his eyes scanning me with subtle worry. “You look like something bad happened.”
He had no reason prying into my personal life—and frankly, I had zero interest in entertaining a conversation with him. Not now.
“I’m fine,” I said curtly, brushing past him without sparing another glance.
But before I could take more than two steps, his hand reached out and wrapped aro
