Episode 1: A Villainess’ Wish (8)

In the end, Lowe didn’t manage to sell the brooch. So her plans to soothe her guilt by eating something sweet after obtaining the money fell apart. She chose not to tell Tiffany, thinking it wouldn’t make a difference anyway.

“Look at this! I can’t believe they sell it here!” Tiffany's eyes sparkled at the beautiful jewel trinkets that caught her eyes. 

“Hello dear customers. Do you find anything interesting here? This one is fairly cheap, at only a silver each.” The old lady who ran the store appeared from behind and tried to coax them into buying.

There was a nice sweet scent coming from the stall. Lowe noticed a delicate, jewel-like perfume bottle with an elegant glass finish. She shook her head and dug her nails into the palm of her hands. 

“Really?” Tiffany said, eyes glue upon the ruby-silver hair pin with a botanical motif.

“Thank you, but we're only browsing.” Lowe tapped Tiffany on the shoulder. “Tiffany, let’s go.”

“Eh? Eh-h?” Tiffany flinched.

“It’s best to save what we have.” Lowe added. It was better to draw a clear line before anyone bought anything unnecessary.

“O-Oh…” Tiffany nodded meekly. Her brows furrowed, conflicted.

Lowe didn’t know why but looking at Tiffany like this made her feel guilty. Maybe if she had exchanged the diamond for money, then Lowe could’ve afforded to treat Tiffany to a gift too. 

“I’ll take these two. Keep the change.” Suddenly, a man dressed in black picked out two small trinkets. The gold coin in between his fingers shimmered, the seller’s attention was set. With a somewhat shy smile, he presented the ivy patterned ruby hairpin to Tiffany, “For you?”

“H-Huh?” Tiffany looked at the hair pin with a confounded expression. Yet as if entranced, reached out and openly took the small gesture of kindness. “T-Thank you?”

The man nodded in delight before turning to Lowe. “I haven’t thanked you for last time, have I now?”

He reached out for Lowe’s hand. She took a half step back, feeling his imposing presence weigh down against her. Lowe was more sceptical.

A small shock was seen on his face. However, it was quickly replaced with a calm smile. 

“The sudden appearance of a man who never introduced himself is uncomfortable isn’t it?” He chuckled. “I am Drew. Drew Raven, may I know the name of the one who saved me?”

“That… was just something I did because I felt I had to. Lowe… I’m Lowe.” Lowe knew he was the man she cured back in the dark alley. But what she didn’t understand was how he found her. 

“Lowe, hm… what a beautiful name.” He brushed his chin with his finger, lips curling upwards.

“R-Right. If that’s all then we should get going, right Tiffany? Let’s go,” Lowe wanted to run away from him as soon as possible. She felt instinctively that nothing good would come out of staying too long. 

“At least allow this.” He forcefully grabbed her hand and placed something within her grasp. Lowe shuddered. “It’s a token of gratitude. Of course, compared to what you’ve done for me, this is nothing.”

“T-Thank you,” Lowe said, quickly pulling her hands away from him. 

Drew didn’t chase, sending them off with a smile.

The two parties quickly parted ways. Tiffany, who did not know Drew, pestered Lowe, to which Lowe had no choice but to explain their fateful encounter.

Standing there, Drew looked at the hand which he had used to touch Lowe. 

It tingled. 

Even through the glove, he recalled the distinct sting as their hands met. That unknown sensation intoxicated him. 

It led him to wanting more.