Meanwhile, at a convenience store in a dangerous neighborhood, a young lady clad in brown stood fearlessly, facing three scoundrels. It was obvious she was outnumbered but she's wasn't going to let them go away without paying her. This was the third time they had taken bottles of alcohol and refused to pay. The shop manager had told her it was going to be deducted from her next salary and she wasn't going to let that happen. It would have been better if she was a badass fighter, but she knew deep down she wasn't, yet, she wasn't willing to let them go. She needed every little bit of her salary, sacrificing for some scoundrels was last to none on her list.
"Please, just pay for the items you've taken today. You can pay the previous ones later" Lydia pleaded.
"We'd pay later, don't worry" one scoundrel replied coquettishly, while trying to touch Lydia's cheek.
Lydia took a step back, preventing the guy from touching her.
"I'm sorry. You'd have to come for them later when you have the money to pay for it" she replied boldly.
"Look here, little beauty. Listen while we're being nice. Don't let this get messy. There's no way you can take this from us. Unless you want things to get messy here" he replied, smirking.
"I don't want things to get messy but I have no other option. I have been given strict orders not to sell on credit. Try to understand me, I can't...let..you...take... them... away" she said, stressing on the last part.
"Don't say we didn't warn you. You asked for it" one of the scoundrels said and raised his hand, ready to strike her.
Just then, his hand stopped midair. His hand was being held by an absolute stranger wearing an innocent yet annoying smile. Lydia sighed heavily. 'Another headache has arrived' she thought.
"Never meant to save the damsel in distress, but don't you think it's a crime punishable by law?" the stranger asked in a playfully.
"Do you have a death wish?" the guy who's hand was caught asked.
"Wanted to ask you that question but I'll let it pass since you asked first" the stranger said.
"Do you want to die today?" one scoundrel asked.
"No, not the least" the stranger replied letting go the hand he caught. "I never meant to wrong you. I just thought it unfair, for three able men to attack one harmless woman. I will pay for the drinks" he continued, casting a nervous glance at Lydia. "Here, take my credit card"
"Fine!" Lydia said, snatched the card and walked to the counter.
"What do you think you're doing?" one scoundrel asked.
"Do you think paying for us would leave you in our good books?" another asked.
"Thank you for your kindness... Is that what you want to hear from us?" the third scoundrel asked.
"LEAVE BEFORE IT GETS MESSY" the stranger said, this time in a serious baritone yet undertone voice sending chills down the spines of the scoundrels.
The identity of the stranger suddenly downed on them. It was obvious from his voice, he was Luke Belma, the king of their world. It was unlikely for them to meet Luke, because of their low ranks and even if they had wanted to meet him, it wasn't supposed to be this way. They never thought they would meet Luke one day yet here they were, in front of him. And was he really Luke Belma, the feared ruler of their dark world? He was supposed to be at least six feet tall with a brawny body yet they were seeing a beautiful boy barely five feet four inches tall. Yet the sudden change in his aura and demeanor, spoke volumes on it's own.
"Luke, aren't you coming for your card?" Lydia called out.
"I'm coming" the stranger, now identified as Luke, replied. "I'll see you later gentlemen"
Lydia's outburst, confirmed their suspicion.
"We'll be leaving then. Thank you very much for your kindness" the scoundrels said almost in unison.
"You're welcome, young men" Luke said as he walked towards Lydia.
"What did you say to them?" Lydia asked as she watched the three scoundrels walk out of the store.
"Not much" Luke replied and Lydia only nodded her head.
"Here" Lydia said, handing his card to him.
"I know you are a woman of few words, but will it hurt to say 'thank you' to your savior?" he said, grabbing Lydia hand.
Lydia pulled out of his grip, and turned her attention back to her work.
"Hey beauty! At least say something" Luke said playfully.
"Oh mehnn! Bad luck did you decide to give me a hug today? Jumping from frying pan to fire" Lydia exaggerated.
Luke only laughed.
"Anyway, what brings you here today?" Lydia asked.
"Do I need a reason to visit my sister in-law?"
"Like you're a regular visitor" Lydia chuckled.
"I just wanted to say 'hello' because I missed you. And I happened to have arrived at the right time" Luke said.
"I had everything under control"
"Yeah, I could tell. You had them begging for mercy already. My interference was unnecessary I guess" Luke teased.
"Go straight to the point, Luke. I'm in the mood for petty jokes today"
"You're in to grand jokes? How amusing! Guess our moods are on the same page" Luke joked.
Lydia only shrugged and walked towards a shelve.
"Caleb is coming" Luke said.