Isabella and Sarah had been busy attending to customers at the library store from morning till late afternoon. The time seemed to slip away unnoticed until Isabella glanced at her watch, her eyes widening in realization.
"Oh no, it's already late afternoon!" Isabella exclaimed, a tinge of concern in her voice. She turned to Sarah, her friend and asked, "Should I grab lunch for you on my way back?"
Sarah smiled warmly and shook her head. "No worries, Isabella. I brought my lunch with me today. You go ahead and take care of what you need to do."
Isabella nodded appreciatively and quickly gathered her belongings, ready to embark on her next errand. "I'm heading to the mall," she hurriedly explained to Sarah as she made her way towards Azazel, who was patiently waiting for her. With a firm grip, she took his hand and led him towards her car parked outside.
The drive to the mall was filled with the gentle hum of the car's engine and the occasional chatter between Isabella and Azazel. They entered the bustling mall together, and Isabella guided Azazel into a store that specialized in men's fashion.
As they stepped inside, Isabella couldn't help but notice the intrigued glances from some of the ladies in the store, their eyes lingering on Azazel. He flashed them a confident smile and even gave a playful wink, much to Isabella's mild irritation.
She rolled her eyes at his antics, a mix of amusement and annoyance flickering in her gaze. Determined to redirect his attention, she grabbed hold of his arm and pulled him towards the racks of clothing.
Azazel smirked mischievously, his voice laced with amusement. "Are you jealous, Isabella? Jealous of the attention I'm getting from the ladies?"
Isabella chuckled, shaking her head. "In your dreams, Azazel. I'm just here to make sure you don't leave the store wearing the same outfit you've been in since we met."
She began to browse through the selection of men's clothing, pulling out various shirts, pants, and jackets, carefully considering each one. Azazel stood beside her, occasionally offering playful comments or suggestions as they ventured deeper into the store.
As Isabella and Azazel continued their shopping excursion in the men's clothing store, a rough and thug-looking guy entered the premises. His gaze immediately landed on Isabella, and he began to wink at her persistently, attempting to catch her attention.
Isabella, however, was unimpressed by his advances, finding his appearance and mannerisms unappealing. She purposefully avoided making eye contact, her irritation evident in her determined focus on the task at hand.
Azazel, ever observant, couldn't help but notice the scene unfolding. With a mischievous grin, he leaned towards Isabella and teased, "Why are you avoiding that charming fellow? He's been winking at you nonstop since he walked in."
Isabella glanced at Azazel with a mixture of annoyance and amusement. "Close your mouth, Azazel, or I'll find a way to shut it for you," she warned him, her tone carrying a hint of playfulness.
Azazel chuckled at her response, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Oh, come on, Isabella. Didn't you mention a few hours ago that you were eager to experience true love? Well, here's your chance! Go after the man of your dreams," he taunted, a teasing edge in his voice.
Isabella's patience waned as Azazel continued to mock her, his words striking a nerve. Ignoring his comments, she walked away, making her way to the counter to pay for the clothes they had chosen. Azazel followed behind, still teasing her intermittently as they completed their transaction.
Once outside, Isabella unlocked the car and slid into the driver's seat, her expression a mix of frustration and determination. Azazel settled into the passenger seat beside her, a playful smile still lingering on his lips.
As Isabella started the engine and began to drive back towards the library store, she tried to shake off the lingering annoyance. She knew Azazel's remarks were intended to provoke her, but deep down, she also acknowledged the truth in his words.
The thug-looking guy and his futile attempts to catch her attention faded from her thoughts. Isabella focused on the road ahead, determined to maintain her composure and not let trivial distractions deter her from her responsibilities.
Azazel, sensing her change in mood, softened his teasing and leaned back in his seat, a knowing glint in his eyes. As the car hummed along, the tension between them eased, and the drive back to the library store became a quieter, more introspective journey.
Isabella and Azazel arrived at the bustling Library store, stepping out of the car and making their way inside. As they entered, a sudden commotion erupted within the store. Female customers seemed to be drawn to Azazel like moths to a flame, flocking towards him with eager anticipation. They giggled, touched his arm, and batted their eyelashes, clearly captivated by his presence.
Isabella stood at a spot near the entrance, a mix of confusion and frustration etched on her face. She couldn't fathom why Azazel seemed to effortlessly attract the attention of every woman around him. She watched as the swarm of females surrounded him, their behavior perplexing her.
Feeling a tinge of annoyance, Isabella made her way over to the counter, where Sarah stood, seemingly enchanted by Azazel's charm. Isabella dropped her bag onto the counter, seeking solace in her friend's company. Sarah, still mesmerized by Azazel's presence, voiced her admiration.
"Isabella, you're incredibly lucky to have such a handsome man as your lover," Sarah exclaimed, her voice filled with awe. "If you weren't my best friend, I might have tried to steal him away from you," she playfully added.
Isabella glanced over at Azazel, who was surrounded by a throng of admirers, and couldn't help but feel a pang of doubt. She questioned herself, wondering if she was somehow blind to the captivating charm that others saw in him.
Her gaze fixed on Azazel for a few more moments, scrutinizing his features, searching for the answers to her own doubts. However, the more she looked, the more elusive the truth became. Frustrated and resigned, she eventually gave up, realizing that perhaps she couldn't fully comprehend the allure others found in Azazel.
Determined to shift her focus, Isabella mustered a smile and joined the other customers, offering her assistance and recommendations for their literary needs. She buried herself in her work, finding solace in the familiar environment of the store and the joy of helping others discover their next great read.
Meanwhile, Azazel, aware of the attention he commanded, handled it with his characteristic confidence and charm. He engaged in light conversations, smiling and responding to the flattery he received, but his eyes never strayed far from Isabella.