Chapter 14
The meeting between Mia and Richard
Mia's eyes locked onto his, and she froze, her mind repeating a single thought: "Oh, so handsome, so handsome, so handsome."
She couldn't help but be captivated by his captivating smile. As a self-proclaimed face candy, Mia had a weakness for good looks. Her face burned with a blush, but she was oblivious to it, still entranced by his gaze.
When she finally snapped back to reality, she realized their close proximity and hastily pulled away, her cheeks flushing even deeper. A cough escaped her lips as she struggled to compose herself, aware of curious glances from nearby onlookers. Clearing her throat, she recalled his whispered comment, which had left her feeling flustered.
Mia's gaze narrowed, and she demanded, "Did you just call me scheming?"
Her finger jabbed at her chest, emphasizing the question.
Richard's smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he replied, "Yes, I did. But you're scheming in a cute way."
Mia's eyes flashed with indignation. "Excuse me? I'm not scheming, and don't call me cute!" she retorted, her voice laced with confidence, though she couldn't deny the flutter in her chest.
Richard's laughter erupted, drawing more attention to them.
Mia's confusion turned to irritation. "Why are you laughing like a madman?" she snapped, not caring if her words were hurtful.
Richard's eyes sparkled with amusement as he thought, "Not only scheming but also sharp-tongued and savage." He stared at her, torn between amusement and annoyance at the insult.
Mia, on the other hand, was satisfied that she'd silenced him. She smiled and said, "Let me clear something up. I'm not scheming, I'm smart and a great actress. And why would you call me scheming? Is it because I stopped that old bookshop owner from extorting money from you?"
Without waiting for a response, she continued, "I did you and everyone here a favor. I know you people don't lack money, so I stood up for you, even when no one else would. I don't expect a medal or even a thank you but accusing me of scheming? That is just over, i'm no superhero, I'm just someone who won't stand by while being extorted."
Mia paused, locking eyes with the handsome young man. "If I weren't here, I wouldn't have bothered. But since I am, I won't let him take advantage of me. So, I will take you calling me a schemer a compliment, thank you. But honestly, I don't care what you think. You're strangers, and after today, we'll never meet again, so why bother?"
Richard shifted uncomfortably, especially when she mentioned they wouldn't meet again. He tried to speak, but Mia wasn't done. "So, please, get your facts straight before calling me a schemer and pointing fingers." She finished, still looking at Richard, who remained speechless.
The silence was palpable, and Mia took it as her cue to continue.
"Secondly, don't you dare call me cute. I allow my close friends to use that term, but not strangers like you. You don't have the right," Mia said with an arrogant air.
Richard, usually speechless around her, forced himself to speak. He didn't like feeling outmaneuvered and decided to take a different approach.
"What'll you do if I call you cute? You can't do anything to me, understand?" he said with a smirk.
Mia was taken aback, her confidence momentarily shaken. She had no retort, and Richard noticed her speechlessness. "Why aren't you saying anything? Cat got your tongue?" he teased, clearly enjoying her momentary lapse.
But Mia quickly regained her composure. "You have a point. I can only threaten you with words. So, you win this time. But pray we don't meet again, because if we do, I won't spare you," she said with conviction. With that, she turned around and walked out of the bookstore.
As she reached the door, Richard called out, "Wait, can you tell me your name?"
Mia turned around, flashed him a sweet smile, and replied, "Sorry, but I won't share my name with a stranger who calls me scheming." With that, she walked away.
Richard smiled, intrigued by her feisty nature. "Apart from her scheming side, her sharp tongue, and savage mouth, she also holds grudges well and is very arrogant. What an interesting young lady," he mused, looking forward to their next encounter. He gathered his belongings and walked out of the bookstore, lost in thought.
Mia stormed out of the bookshop, her anger boiling over. She kicked an empty cola can on the sidewalk, shouting, "Who does he think he is, insulting me like that? That annoying, hateful, irritating son of a bitch!" Her heavy breathing betrayed her fury as she noticed passersby staring at her.
Mortified, Mia realized what she'd said and couldn't bear to look at anyone. She took off running, her face burning with embarrassment. "It's all that guy's fault, so hateful!" she muttered, blaming Richard as she ran as fast as she could.
Unbeknownst to Mia, Richard had left the bookshop shortly after her and had overheard her entire outburst. Instead of being angry, he found it hilarious. He burst out laughing and hailed a taxi, grinning from ear to ear as he drove away.