"I..." Maisie initially wanted to refuse.
She felt a strange sensation the first time she saw Daniel. His words held a certain power over her, and she had an
unexplainable trust in him from the depths of her heart. It was as if she believed he was a good person who
wouldn't do anything inappropriate.
-
Daniel drove Maisie to the amusement park, which was closed for the day and shrouded in darkness.
However, when Maisie took her first step into the park, it seemed like a magical spell had been cast. Each step she
took illuminated a path beneath her, and the surrounding lights gradually came to life, transforming the place into a
fairytale wonderland.
Her eyes widened in amazement as she beheld the towering Ferris wheel adorned with neon lights in the distance,
the merry-go-round playing a beautiful melody nearby, and even houses shaped like cotton candy. Maisie's delight
was evident.
"Do you like it here?" Daniel asked gently.
"Yes!" Maisie nodded, recalling that the man beside her was the owner of this enchanting park.
"Would you like to enjoy some of the attractions here?" Daniel suggested. "You have the entire place to yourself for
all the rides."
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtMaisie hesitated. "I don't want to trouble anyone. I'm content just exploring."
"What if I take some pictures for you?"
Maisie was surprised when she looked into Daniel's passionate eyes. Her heart raced, an unfamiliar but oddly
familiar feeling washing over her. She couldn't tell if it was attraction, but she hadn't felt it with Graham.
"Ms. Squire, are you okay?" Daniel chuckled. "Would you like me to take some photos for you?"
"No, t-thank you!" Maisie stammered. "I want to wait for my boyfriend to return from abroad. When he's available,
we'll come here together for photos."
With that, she moved away from Daniel, maintaining a certain distance.
Daniel's heart sank. Had she sensed something? She was perceptive, and his recent actions might have made her
uncomfortable.
Clearing his throat, he forced a smile. "Ms. Squire, I brought you here today because I wanted your opinion on
hosting outdoor activities for kindergarten kids. What do you think?"
"Huh?"
"Ah, it's for Sephy," Daniel said with a forced smile. "She's fond of this amusement park and wishes to invite other
kids. As her elder, I want to grant her wish. Do you think it's a suitable place? Will the children like it?"
"Of course!" Maisie smiled. "It's a beautiful place, and the children will surely love it."
"Then it's settled. The next kindergarten outing will be held here!"
"Sure," Maisie replied, her guarded look fading.
Daniel smiled, but bitterness lingered in his heart. He had never imagined they would have to interact that way.
A gust of evening breeze lifted a corner of Maisie's shawl. She wore only a dress and appeared delicate on the early
winter night. She hugged herself and rubbed her arms when she suddenly felt a coat draped over her shoulders.
Daniel had taken off his coat and placed it around her.
"Sir, you shouldn't do this!"
"It's alright," Daniel said softly. "Girls need protection from the cold."
"Sir..."
"I'll make the arrangements quickly," he said, changing the subject. "Sephy will be the host to build a good
reputation among the kindergarten kids."
"Persephone is fortunate to have you as her family."
"I have a strong bond with this kid." Daniel softly laughed. "It's getting chilly. Let's get in the car. I'll drive you home."
Maisie nodded and got into the passenger seat with Daniel's coat still around her. She took a quick sniff, detecting
the faint scent of aftershave cologne on it. It was unique yet oddly familiar.
Daniel's car was comfortable and warm, as if the passenger seat had been customized for her. He handed her a
thermos filled with aromatic hot chocolate.
Maisie's heart quickened as she looked at him.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"Oh, this... it wasn't prepared just for you!" Daniel explained quickly, fearing she might feel uncomfortable. "It's for
Sephy. I always keep it in the car because she likes it."
Maisie withdrew her gaze but felt her heart race.
Daniel gripped the steering wheel tightly, contemplating whether he should be more direct to avoid burdening her,
given her current relationship status.
After some thought, he casually took the thermos back from her hand, pretending to be careless. "Oh, you don't
like sweet drinks? I'll take it back, then."
Maisie was caught off guard, and the thermos was already back in Daniel's possession. She couldn't help but
chuckle. She had wanted to taste the hot chocolate.
"By the way, Ms. Squire..." Daniel became more serious. "I need to give you some advice."
"What is it?"
"In the future, don't get into cars with strangers, and don't accept drinks from anyone. It's not safe."
Maisie chuckled. "But I'm in your car now, aren't I?"
Daniel blurted out, "I'm different!"
Maisie was stunned.
Daniel scratched his head and suddenly slammed on the brakes. Due to the inertia, Maisie was pushed forward, and
he instinctively reached out to protect her.