Careful

Electra POV

As we strolled through the bustling mall, Gladys's eyes widened with excitement, scanning the vibrant displays and colorful storefronts. She tugged on my hand, her tiny voice filled with eagerness. "Mummy, please can I pick a doll?" she asked, her gaze fixed on the toy section.

I took a deep breath, hesitating for a moment as she pointed towards the crowded shelves stacked with an array of dolls. "I don't know how to pick dolls, babe," I admitted, feeling a bit overwhelmed. "Or did you perhaps know how to?" I asked, hoping she might have some insight.

Gladys nodded her head negatively, her pigtails bobbing with the motion. Her big brown eyes looked up at me, pleading. "Please, mummy, let's try it out," she begged, her small hands clasped together in anticipation.

I couldn't resist her charming smile, so I relented, and we both walked towards the toy section, ready to embark on the adventure of finding the perfect doll together.

I inserted the money and attempted to retrieve the doll from the vending machine, but it wouldn't budge. I glanced at my daughter, and her face fell, disappointment etched on her features. Determined to make this work, I struggled with the machine, but it refused to cooperate.

Just as I was about to give up, a gentle voice interrupted my frustration. "Can you step aside, madam? I can show you, it's not so hard." A man with a kind smile appeared beside me, and I was taken aback.

I hesitated for a moment before stepping aside, allowing him to take over. As I watched him effortlessly retrieve the doll, I couldn't shake the feeling that I had seen him before. His familiar demeanor and warm smile stirred a sense of nostalgia, but I couldn't quite place him.

"It's done, take it," he said, handing me the doll and turning to leave.

"Yep, thank you, uncle!" Gladys exclaimed, snatching the doll and running off towards the mall's playground.

Instead of chasing after her, I stayed behind, my curiosity getting the better of me. "Did I know you from somewhere?" I asked, trying to contain my doubts.

The man paused, his back still turned to me. For a moment, I wondered if he would respond. Then, slowly, he turned around, and our eyes met...

"Did you think so?" he asked, his eyes narrowing slightly as he awaited my response. I nodded, my mind racing to recall the details of our previous encounter.

And then, like a floodgate opening, the memories came rushing back. I remembered the night five years ago, the night he had saved me from harm, hitting me to protect me from further danger, and then disappearing into the night after ensuring I received medical attention. I had never forgotten the kindness of that stranger, and now, here he was, standing in front of me.

My eyes widened in astonishment as I stared at him, my mouth agape. "I know you," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "I was very sure of that."

He looked at me with a mixture of curiosity and caution, his expression unreadable. "So, can you tell me where we met before?" he asked, his tone firm but gentle.

I nodded, still trying to process the coincidence of our encounter. "We met five years ago," I began, my voice shaking slightly. "You mistaken hit me with you've car. You took me to the hospital and then vanished without telling me your name"

His expression changed, a flicker of recognition crossing his face, followed by a hint of surprise.

"Oh, what a remarkable coincidence!" Maxwell exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with delight. "I can't believe I'm seeing you again. I think this is fate."

I smiled, feeling a sense of wonder at the unexpected reunion. "So, tell me, what's your name?" I asked, eager to know the identity of this mysterious benefactor.

Maxwell extended his hand for a handshake. "I'm Maxwell," he said with a warm smile.

"Nice to meet you, Maxwell," I replied, shaking his hand. "I'm Electra. I'm thrilled to see you again. I can't forget the favor you did for me five years ago, and now again today. I owe you so much."

Maxwell chuckled and waved his hand dismissively. "You don't owe me anything, Electra. I acted out of goodwill, and that's all there is to it. No debts, no obligations."

I scoffed playfully, teasing him. "Oh, come on, Maxwell. You're making it hard for me to repay your kindness. At least let me buy you a cup of coffee or something!"

Maxwell laughed, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Maybe some other time, Electra. For now, I actually came here for work." He nodded towards the guards waiting for him, a hint of mischief in his voice. "If I don't get going, my assistant over there would rat me out to my father immediately."

I chuckled, relating to the playful jab. "I think I understand. I have parents like that too." I smiled, feeling a connection with Maxwell. "Okay, at least let me have your number, so you don't disappear on me again."

Maxwell nodded, taking my phone from me. He typed his number in, his fingers brushing against mine, sending a spark of electricity through me. "Here you go," he said, handing the phone back to me.

With a wave, he bid me goodbye, and I reciprocated, watching as he walked away, flanked by his guards. I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder at the unexpected turn of events, and the possibility of a new connection with this enigmatic stranger, Maxwell.

"Mum, are you falling for him just because he helped us pick a doll? Come on, Mum. You shouldn't be smiling at strangers like that. That's not nice," Gladys said, her voice laced with a mix of concern and playfulness.

I hadn't even noticed her standing beside me, observing the exchange with Maxwell. "He's not just any stranger, sweetie. I've met him before, and he did me a big favor," I explained, trying to reassure her.

Gladys raised an eyebrow, her expression skeptical. "Are you sure about that?" she asked, her voice tinged with doubt.

I nodded positively, smiling at the memory. "Yes, I'm positive. And it turns out he's a nice guy."

Gladys pouted her lips, looking thoughtful. "I didn't know he was a nice guy," she said, her voice softening. "But you should still be careful, Mum."