Chapter 19
It was a rare sunny day in Islanthia. Penelope had already set up the flower shop and was getting ready to open for business for the day.
But the customers visiting her shop were acting quite oddly today. Everyone had their phones pulled out in hopes of getting their photos taken with her.
Although Penelope made sure to turn everyone down politely, she was still confused.
Her phone suddenly rang. It was another phone call from Steve.
“Penelope, a photo featuring you has gone viral on Instagram. If you don’t want to get discovered by Cheronians, you need to avoid the spotlight for the time being. Avoid taking photos with anyone, no matter what. I’ll deal with this matter, so you don’t have to put în effort to investigate it.”
What on earth was going on?
Before Penelope could ask more questions, Steve quickly ended the call. She wasn’t sure if she was imagining it, but she had a feeling that Steve felt somewhat guilty.
Although Steve had basically told Penelope not to check Instagram, she still couldn’t help tapping into the application. That was how she came across her photo on the explore page.
To her surprise, Steve was in the photo as well. The location showed the porch of the cafe when they had their meal together. Penelope could be seen slumping over the table, clearly resting. Rays of sunlight gently cast down on her face. The teardrops that clung to her cheeks reflected the light gently.
All in all, the photo looked so beautiful and unreal that it resembled more like an oil painting.
Steve’s actions were the highlight of the photo. He happened to be gazing at her tentatively while bending over the table. In that position, he planted a light kiss on her forehead
reverently.
Penelope’s cheeks flared up instantly. She could pick up on the affection in Steve’s gaze and position.
The photographer happened to have captured the beautiful and precious moment purely by chance. The photo went viral on the social media platforms outside of Cheronia due to how beautiful it was.
Not knowing what to do, Penelope could only close Instagram. She planned on feigning ignorance when it came to the photo’s existence.
By the time she closed the shop for the day, it was already nighttime. After putting the flowers
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back in the greenhouse, Penelope opened Instagram once again. She could no longer find the photo she had seen in the morning.
Penelope let out a sigh of relief. Since Steve had dealt with the matter very quickly, there was a high chance that Eric didn’t see the photo.
She carried a huge bag of vegetables and fruits while walking home.
Not many people chose to live in Islanthia, to begin with. At night, there wasn’t a single soul or light in sight… Well, other than the streetlights, that was.
For some reason, Penelope thought she could hear an extra set of footsteps behind her. Terror crawled up her spine as she quickened her pace. But her stalker seemed to be jogging after her as well. That was what made her certain that she wasn’t imagining things.
Just as Penelope pulled out her phone and was about to dial 911 with trembling hands, a familiar voice cut through her fear.
“Penelope, it’s me.”
Shocked, Penelope whirled around to see Steve’s handsome face. He was only wearing a heavy coat on the outside, which didn’t fit the locals‘ daily fashion.
“Steve! You’re back!”
Steve smiled gently. He took the bag from Penelope as though it was the most natural thing to
do in the world.
“I just arrived at the airport this afternoon. When I found out that you closed up quite late tonight, I wanted to secretly walk you home, but I didn’t expect to scare you instead.”
Penelope felt Steve’s hands. Thank goodness his fingers weren’t that cold. “Why didn’t you put on a thick jacket?”
“I was worried that I might not get to see you in time. Why are your hands so cold?” Steve took the opportunity to hold Penelope’s hands, letting his warmth spread to Penelope.
She hesitated for a moment, but in the end, she opted not to pull away.
“You saw that photo, didn’t you?” Steve sounded a little tense. When he noticed Penelope pursing her lips silently, he knew that she was silently admitting the truth.
“I’m sorry, Penelope. That day, your face was completely streaked with tears. My heart went out for you…”
“Is that why you decided to fly back to Cheronia all of a sudden just to get revenge on them?”
Steve nodded gently. “Penelope, you’re a smart woman, so you must’ve known my feelings for you a long time ago. But I don’t need you to respond to my feelings, nor do I need an
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answer from you. I just hope that you’ll let me protect you by your side.”
Penelope suddenly cut Steve off, asking, “What do you like to eat? I’ll have the food delivered to your company tomorrow at noon.”
Having spotted Steve’s shocked expression, she quickly added, “Think of it as an act of gratitude for you walking me home tonight. You can drop by my place for a meal this weekend.
Delight coursed through Steve’s veins. Penelope didn’t waive the meal invitation meant for
him.
“I’ll like anything you make for me.‘
Once Penelope got home, she began scouring through Steve’s social media accounts without knowing the reason why. He seemed to be very busy. Everything he posted on his social media feed was work–related. He never posted any selfies or group photos.
But Penelope did pick up on one thing. A particular woman had liked or commented on all of Steve’s posts over the past two years. The thing was, he never responded to her.
