Eden stood at the edge of the road, staring helplessly at her shoe lying several meters away — crushed, scuffed, and half-buried beneath the stream of passing cars. Every time she tried to step forward, the rush of engines made her flinch back.
Her bare foot ached from the heat of the pavement. She sighed, feeling hopeless. She couldn't even go home — she had no money with her. She'd run off impulsively, ditching Davin and the bodyguards. Cynthia and her Ninang Paula were at the Kingdom Hotel, discussing the modeling offer she never wanted in the first place.
With the light turning red, she took a deep breath. Now or never, she thought, stepping off the curb to retrieve her poor shoe. But before she could take another step, someone suddenly grabbed her hand.
"Hey—!"
In a heartbeat, the world spun. She gasped as she was lifted off the ground, and when her vision steadied, she found herself carried effortlessly in someone's arms.
"What are you doing? Put me down!" she protested, struggling as passersby started to stare.
"Stay still, Your Highness," Davin's calm voice cut through the noise. "Baka mabitawan kita."
"You can put me down! I didn't say you could just—"
"And maybe try keeping quiet," he interrupted, his gaze locking with hers — steady, commanding. For a moment, Eden froze. The words died on her lips.
Her heart pounded against her ribs, her face heating up in embarrassment. "This is… so humiliating," she muttered, turning her head away.
Davin didn't respond. Without another word, he strode toward a black van that had just stopped in front of them. The door swung open as one of his men stepped out.
"Sir," the guard greeted, holding the door.
Eden barely had time to protest again before Davin gently set her down on the seat inside. He followed right after her, closing the door with a soft thud. Another man slid into the passenger's seat, and the van started moving.
"Where are we going?" she demanded, crossing her arms.
"To the Kingdom Hotel," Davin replied simply, his tone even. He leaned forward, reaching behind the seat to pick up a small black box.
Curious, Eden tilted her head. "What's that?"
He opened it and turned it toward her.
Inside, neatly placed on white cloth, was her shoe — spotless, whole, and looking as if it had never touched the road.
Eden blinked in surprise. "How—? When did you—"
Davin glanced at her, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "You're not the only one who can be reckless, Your Highness."
Eden's jaw dropped, but before she could reply, he looked out the window, his expression turning unreadable again.
She sank back in her seat, clutching the rescued shoe, unsure whether to thank him or be even more embarrassed.
Davin held out the box toward her. "You should wear this, Your Highness."
Eden only stared at him, eyes full of confusion. When she didn't move, Davin sighed quietly and bent down, reaching for her foot.
But before his hand could touch her shoe, Eden gasped and jerked her leg back, pressing herself against the seat.
"What—what are you doing?" she stammered, her pulse racing.
"My apologies for my… daring attitude, Your Highness. I was only trying to—"
"Wait!" she cut him off, pointing at him in disbelief. "Why are you talking like that?"
"I'm… not sure I understand your question, Your Highness."
"You're scaring me," she blurted out. "And stop calling me that. I told you, I'm not a princess. I can wear my own shoes, thank you very much."
She grabbed the box from his hand and began switching shoes, balancing awkwardly as the van continued to move. Davin watched silently, a faint crease on his brow.
Then the driver hit the brakes.
Eden lurched forward with a small cry, but before she could hit the seat in front of her, Davin's arm shot out — one hand catching her waist, the other bracing in front of her to block her head from the impact.
For a heartbeat, everything went still.
Eden found herself pressed close to him, her breath caught in her throat. His scent — clean, sharp, familiar — filled the air between them. Slowly, her gaze lifted to his.
Their eyes met.
Time seemed to stretch, the sound of traffic fading into a soft hum. Then her awareness caught up — his hand was still on her waist.
Davin noticed her glance downward and blinked, quickly letting go.
"I—uh—" she began, cheeks warm.
"Lt. Commander? Princess? Are you both alright?" the driver called from the front.
Eden leaned back, staring straight ahead, wishing the floor would swallow her whole.
"What happened?" Davin asked, his voice steady though his gaze shifted away from her.
"A man suddenly crossed the street, sir. I had to hit the brakes," the driver explained nervously.
"Next time, keep your eyes sharp," Davin replied. His tone was calm, but firm.
"Yes, sir."
When he finally glanced at Eden, she quickly turned her head toward the window. He caught, however, the faint flush on her cheeks.
The rest of the drive passed in silence. Neither of them spoke. Eden kept her eyes on the blur of buildings outside, pretending to be fascinated by the passing lights. But every time she felt Davin's gaze flicker in her direction, her heart stuttered in confusion — fast, uneven, and utterly beyond her control.
By the time they reached the grand gates of the Kingdom Hotel, the air between them was thick with everything unspoken.