Chapter 9

**Kate's POV**

Before I can even react, the unknown man pulls me in and kisses me. His lips press against mine, and for a few seconds, I freeze, unsure of what to do. Push him away? No. I shouldn't. As much as I don’t know him, I love the sight of Kyle’s face—shocked, pained, and filled with regret.

The man finally pulls away, keeping hold of my hand, and says with a smirk, "I’ve missed you." But his eyes aren’t on me—they’re looking past me, like there’s something, or someone, behind me.

Kyle, clearly unable to hide his jealousy, blurts out, “So, Kate… you’re already with another man?”

Pamela jumps in, of course, never one to miss an opportunity to attack. “Have you no shame? After committing adultery, killing your baby, and running away, you're already with another man in just two weeks?”

Kyle sneers, his eyes dark with contempt. “You’re disgusting. No woman should be like you!”

That’s when the unknown man intervenes, his voice cold but calm. “What’s going on here? What are you both talking about?”

Pamela steps forward, ready to unload her lies. “If you’re the one buying the car for her, I feel sorry for you. This woman is a lowlife cheater, a hook-up girl. She even cheated on her ex-husband and tried to kill me! She’s toxic!”

Kyle backs her up. “Man, you deserve better. Leave her. She’s not worth it.”

Before I can even respond, the man wraps his arm around my waist and pulls me close. “If I left this hot woman, I’d be out of my mind!”

Pamela’s face twists in disgust. “What? You’d stay with a cheater and a killer?”

He smirks. “I don’t care. She’s gorgeous, can’t you see? It’d be a blessing if she cheated, as long as she doesn’t leave!”

Kyle’s face contorts with frustration, like he can’t handle the sight of me with someone else. He’s about to say something when his phone vibrates. He checks it, his eyes widening in shock as he glances up at me. “Kate… we’ll see each other again,” he says before storming out.

Pamela hurries after him, shouting, “Wait! What about the car?!” But Kyle doesn’t even look back. They both leave in a rush.

It takes me a moment to snap back to reality. Then I shove the man away, my voice sharp. “Who are you, and what do you think you’re doing?”

Helena, just as confused, looks at me with wide eyes. “Wait… you don’t know him? And he kissed you?”

The man smirks and runs a hand through his hair, clearly trying to look more handsome. I have to admit, he’s attractive, but that doesn’t matter. I just want to know what the hell he thinks he’s doing.

He finally speaks, a cocky grin on his face. “Well, you see… we kinda used each other, and it worked out pretty well.”

“What the hell are you talking about? Used each other?”

He nods. “Yeah. My girlfriend was out there. I’m sick of her, but she wouldn’t leave me alone, so I used you to make her jealous. It worked—she’s gone now.”

I stare at him, anger boiling inside me. He is just as asshole as Kyle. ditching woman and treat them anyhow.

“So, you used me without my consent?”

He has the nerve to laugh. “No, we used each other. You were in a tight spot with your ex, and honestly, what you did was pretty awful.”

That’s it, He is clearly a Red flag also. I don't want to hear more.

“Hey, shut up and leave!” I snap, my voice rising.

He just shrugs, unfazed. “Women hate hearing the truth.” Then, as if he hasn’t crossed enough lines, he reaches into his pocket and pulls out some cash, handing me $10,000. “Here, consider it a thank you for your help.”

I fold my arms, glaring at him. “I’m not that kind of woman. Get that out of my face.”

He laughs again, adding more bills to the stack. “Let me sweeten the deal, then.”

Before I can react, Helena steps in and twists his wrist. He cries out in pain, “Oh, no! Stop!”

Helena releases him after a few seconds, and he rubs his wrist, his face pale. “Do you know who I am?!” he shouts.

“I don’t care,” I say, stepping closer, my voice low and cold. “Now get out, and don’t let me see your face again.”

He glances at Helena, clearly intimidated, and nods quickly. “Fine, just don’t cross paths with me again!” He storms out of the store, fuming.

Helena and I exchange a look before bursting into laughter. That whole scene is absurd.

Finally, we turn to get my car—a sleek, metallic Tesla with an elegant, futuristic design. Its exterior is smooth and streamlined, painted in a rich, deep blue that shimmers under the store lights. I run my hand along the side, feeling the cool metal beneath my fingers.

Inside, the cabin is all luxury. White leather seats with black trim, soft to the touch, and a large touchscreen console in the center controls everything from the climate to the entertainment. The dashboard is minimalist, with a single, continuous panel of wood that adds a touch of warmth to the modern design. Never in my life did I think I would own this.

I slide into the driver’s seat, feeling the power of the car around me. Helena hops in beside me, grinning ear to ear.

“Woohoo!” I scream, hitting the accelerator as we speed out of the lot.

**Unknown POV**

I wait until Kate and her friend are gone, then step out from my hiding spot and pull out my phone.

“She just left the store,” I say quietly.

The voice on the other end is cold. “Find a quiet place and kill her there. No mistakes. No traces. Do it perfectly.”

“Understood,” I reply, tucking my phone away as I exit the building.