My Time

Chapter 4

After paying for the clothes, Thiago excused himself to answer a call.

"I'll be right back," he said, already stepping away.

I waved him off casually. "Go."

He walked a short distance, his back turned to me as he spoke in a low voice. I didn't bother listening. Whatever it was, it clearly wasn't meant for me.

A few minutes later, he returned.

"What's wrong?" I asked, tilting my head slightly as I studied his face.

"Nothing," he replied smoothly. "Let's go."

Too smooth.

I didn't say anything, but my eyes shifted past him. To the woman standing a few steps behind him.

His secretary.

She had a wide smile on her face. Suspiciously wide.

My brows furrowed slightly, but I let it slide. Whatever just happened, I'd figure it out eventually.

Or maybe I could just ask Nova!

Nah, I'll figure it out.

We continued walking through the mall, the shopping bags carried by Thiago and he's secretary, while people were trailing behind us like a small parade. It was almost ridiculous.

As we walked, Thiago's phone began buzzing.

Once...

Twice...

Again...

He stopped mid-step for a second, glanced at the screen... then slipped the phone back into his pocket.

We kept walking.

Buzz...

Again...

I raised an eyebrow.

"Who's messaging you?" I asked casually.

"No one," he replied immediately. "Don't worry about it." He even smiled.

I narrowed my eyes slightly.

That only made it worse.

"Right..." I muttered, still not convinced.

We entered a shoe store shortly after.

The moment we stepped inside, an employee greeted us, clearly recognizing Thiago. He didn't respond much. Just gave a small nod before heading toward the seating area. He sat down and pulled out his phone again.

Of course he did.

I shrugged to myself and walked toward the display shelves. If he wanted to be busy, then fine, I'd entertain myself.

After browsing for a bit, I picked out two pairs of shoes. One is simple and comfortable, the other is slightly more stylish. Not overly expensive, but decent.

I returned and sat beside Thiago.

He didn't even notice.

"...wow," I muttered under my breath.

I turned slightly toward his secretary, who was standing nearby. "Which one is better?" I asked, holding up both pairs.

She leaned in slightly, examining them. "They're both good," she said with a polite smile.

I sighed. "That doesn't help."

Still, I glanced down at the shoes again, trying to decide. Then, out of the corner of my eye. I saw it.

Thiago's screen.

Numbers.

A transaction.

My eyes narrowed. "Nova," I called silently.

"he is transferring money to Ava," Nova replied immediately.

My expression froze. Then slowly... Very slowly... my face twitched.

"...you've got to be kidding me."

"My brother is really a simp in this novel," I muttered internally.

Even without saying it loud, I was pretty sure my face was expressing everything clearly.

"Transferring thousands of money at the drop of a hat?" I continued in my thoughts. "Such a fool."

I inhaled deeply then exhaled.

Calm down.

Calm down.

He's still your brother.

You can't just... Actually, no. I could, but I shouldn't.

I forced a neutral expression, though I could feel irritation bubbling beneath the surface.

Thiago finally turned to look at me. "If you like those," he said casually, "you can buy both."

I blinked.

then looked at him,

then looked at the shoes.

then looked back at him,

Oh, forget it! I could still thrift shoes if I want to.

"I won't buy them."

He frowned slightly. "Why?"

I waved my hand dismissively and smiled sweetly. "Thank you, knucklehead."

His expression froze.

I didn't wait for a response. I turned and walked toward the exit. Each step felt lighter than the last. Behind me, I could hear them.

"Knucklehead?" Thiago's voice echoed, confused. "What does that even mean?"

I slowed slightly. Just enough to listen.

"It means you're a fool, Mr. Xum," his secretary replied calmly.

I blinked the smiked.

Wow.

Straightforward.

I like her.

"I'm a fool?" Thiago repeated, clearly offended.

"Yes," she said simply. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I still need to assist your sister."

I couldn't hold it in anymore. A small chuckle escaped my lips as I continued walking. By the time they caught up to me, I was already near the mall exit.

We didn't say much after that.

The air felt... different.

Not tense but not entirely relaxed either.

I glanced sideways at Thiago. He looked normal. Too normal. But his grip on his phone was slightly tighter.

"You're unbelievable," I muttered under my breath.

"What was that?" he asked.

"Nothing."

We made our way to the parking lot, the sound of our footsteps echoing faintly in the open space.

His car was already waiting.

Of course it was.

I stopped for a moment, staring at it.

A black luxury vehicle.

Clean.

polished.

Expensive.

I didn't get the chance to see it earlier since we just walked here, but now, I'm stunned.

"You've really made it, huh?" I murmured.

He glanced at me. "What?"

"Nothing."

I opened the door and got in. The interior was just as extravagant as the outside. I leaned back into the seat, letting out a small breath.

"Let's go home."

Thiago nooded. "Sure."

He got in on the other side, and within seconds, the car started moving. Silence filled the space between us, but it wasn't uncomfortable.

just... quiet.

"You should rest when we get back," he said after a while. "You've been walking around all day."

I look at him. For a moment, I didn't see the cold, calculating CEO. I saw the little boy who used to cry at night. The one who held onto me like I was his entire world.

"Yeah..." I said softly. "Maybe I will."

But my thoughts were elsewhere.

The money he transferred.

Ava.

The future I knew was coming.

I turned my head, looking out the window as the city lights passed by.

"This isn't over," I murmured internally.

"Confirmed," Nova replied.

I closed my eyes briefly.

Thiago might not realize it yet.

But I do.