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species decipit (m.) the first appearance deceives many

ROSABELLE

Tonight, Emi's presence felt magnetic, drawing me in like a moth to a flame.

I forgot about how Tatiana hadn't even decided to meet me. I forgot about my dad's warnings. I forgot everything except the enigmatic man who sat before me, orchestrating this unforgettable evening.

As the night wore on, we indulged in lively conversations, laughter, and many other things.

Then, suddenly, he said, "Dance with me, Belle."

I didn't hesitate. Emi rose from his seat, extending his hand towards me. I placed my hand in his, feeling the warmth and strength of his grasp as he led me to the dance floor.

We moved together, our bodies swaying to the hypnotic rhythm of the music. His eyes never left mine, and in that moment, there was no one else in the world but the two of us. The night seemed to stretch on endlessly, a whirlwind of desire and connection weaving between us, defying all boundaries.

Until then.

✈︎

"Girl, I'm so happy," Ana gushed over the phone from the other side, dramatic sighs escaping her lips every few seconds. "And I'm not. I'm pissed at you," I grumbled.

"Come on, don't be like that. Don't you want to know about the hot man I was with last night?" She whispered, chuckling a little when I scoffed in return, unimpressed by her words. "Okay, I'm sorry, I'm really, really sorry, baby girl. Won't you forgive me?" When I remained silent, she persisted, "Pretty please?"

"... Okay. Never ignore me like that again," I finally said, huffing a little. I heard her cheerful scream from the other side, "Yay! Now tell me about your hot Russian."

"It was you who was supposed to be telling me about your hot companion," I teased.

To be honest, I hadn't even seen the face of the man she was with, let alone know how hot he was, according to her proclamation.

"Duh, you can go first." "Nope," I said, popping the 'p'.

There was nothing to say about Emi, and Ana knew it very well. Even if she said that her perspective about him had changed, I would still prefer to jump from the Brooklyn Bridge than talk with her about Emi.

One could call me dramatic. And I knew I was being one.

However, listening to someone speak ill about this man was enough to get me riled up in a matter of seconds, and I didn't even know why.

But anyway, that matter was to be thought of another day.

After ending my call with Ana, I decided to take a stroll around the area of my villa. I had seen the places already, but it seemed I couldn't get enough.

"Are you going somewhere, miss?" Nino asked as soon as he found me heading toward the departure of my villa after coming downstairs. I locked eyes with him and replied, "Yes. Did you need something, Nino?"

The man shook his head so frantically that I almost feared it would fall off his neck; his ears reddened in embarrassment. I let out a sigh, controlling the chuckle that wanted to escape.

"No, of course not, miss," he was quick to exclaim, "Do you want me to bring out the car?" His gaze was downward, eyeing the carpet on the floor as if it held the secrets of the universe.

"It isn't necessary, Nino. Rest assured," I told him with a smile before turning around; his response of "Okay, miss," came in return.

With that, I left, leaving the enormous villa behind me.

✈︎

The Moscow breeze hit my face as soon as I came out of the bakery with my pastry, and a distinct sound of thunder reached my ears.

"Shit," I cursed under my breath.

I hadn't brought an umbrella, and for God's sake, who knew that the atmosphere would take an one- eighty- degree turn in a matter of half an hour?

I had come to a bakery downtown after roaming around the city for a while to buy myself some food and return home, only to be faced with this.

Now, I could only hope that it wouldn't start raining before I reached home.

The further I walked, the darker the sky became, the sounds of thunder growing with each passing moment as black clouds slowly covered the evening sky.

I nearly shivered at the cold whirlpool of wind that hit my body again, and my hair flipped back.

Standing under a nearby bus stand, I retrieved my phone from my purse and decided to call Nino to pick me up. I didn't think I could reach home before the rain started, and little droplets of rain had already begun to fall.

"Hello, Nino?" I asked when he picked up the call from the other line. "Miss, where are you? I'm coming to pick you up,"

I released a sigh of relief at the fact that I didn't have to explain anything. My driver was careful enough. "I'm sending you my location, Nino. And thank you."

"No problem, miss. Don't worry, I'll be there in a few minutes." The line went dead afterward, and I patiently waited for him to arrive.

The road was nearly empty here; only a few vehicles came and went once in a while. There were no people standing under the stand either.

A thrill of exhilaration rushed through me as I looked up at the mighty, dark sky, smiling in admiration. I couldn't help but feel excited every time I realized that in a moment, I'd be going home to indulge in the sweet pastries while enjoying the late evening rain.

I might even send a picture to Emi. I hadn't talked to the man all day, and I needed to hear his voice so badly.

A chuckle escaped me at my own thoughts.

Then, however, I was pulled out of my daze when I noticed a car driving fast toward my direction. As it came closer, I realized it was my car.

Quickly standing up from the bench, I walked toward my car, which stopped right in front of the bus stand. I didn't wait for Nino to get out and open the door for me; I opened it myself and stepped inside.

Then, we drove off.

. . .

The ride was oddly silent. Other times, Nino would ask me if I was all right, if I was comfortable. He'd have showered me with questions.

However, now... something felt off.

And why did I suddenly feel so sleepy?

"Nino?" I called out for him, only to receive no response in return. A frown appeared on my face. I was about to call his name again, but right then I realized that the car was... a little foggy.

What's wrong?

Beneath the darkness, I tried to look through the rearview mirror, and a silent gasp escaped my mouth upon vaguely seeing a figure sitting in the driver's seat, wearing a mask to prevent the fog from reaching his skin.

Oh my God.

I hadn't entered my car.

My driver wasn't Nino.

Panic flooded through me as I felt tiredness slowly engulfing me, blurring my senses.

No no no no no.

I can't sleep, I can't sleep, I can't sleep.

Covering my face with my hand, I desperately tried to find my phone in my bag. "Stop the car!" I let out a muffled scream, but it was to no avail.

Frantically, I searched for my phone, but my head was spinning, and the fabric of my hand offered little resistance against the foggy material.

"Stop the car," my voice came out as a mere whisper this time, my senses failing me.

And then, I didn't know what happened, as darkness completely enveloped me.

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