Emily's bright smile faltered as she walked away from the mall's collision. Her mind whirled with questions. Who was that enigmatic stranger? His piercing gaze still lingered in her thoughts.
"Hey, Em, you okay? That was quite a spill," Sarah asked, concern etched on her heart-shaped face.
Emily's shoulders relaxed as she turned to her friend. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just clumsy, as usual."
Sarah's almond-shaped eyes sparkled with amusement. "Well, at least you made a handsome guy's day."
Emily playfully rolled her eyes. "Shut up, Sarah."
As they strolled through the mall, Emily's thoughts drifted to her past. She had grown up in a loving family, surrounded by laughter and warmth. But tragedy struck when she was 16 – her parents' fatal car accident left her shattered. Her aunt, Rachel, took her in, providing a stable home, but Emily always felt like an outsider.
Determined to forge her own path, Emily threw herself into her studies, earning a scholarship to the prestigious Oakwood University. Now, she worked part-time at the cozy Bookworm bookstore, nurturing her passion for writing.
Meanwhile, Leo slid into his customized, limited-edition Bentley Continental GT. The sleek, black car gleamed, its engine purring softly like a contented beast.
"Drive carefully, said lea briefly to " Thompson, his chauffeur, as Leo settled into the rear seat.
The convoy of security cars, each with heavily armed bodyguards, surrounded Leo's vehicle. The entourage pulled out of the mall, merging onto the highway.
As they sped toward Leo's office, the cityscape blurred outside his window. His mind, however, remained fixed on Emily.
At his office, Leo began signing documents and reviewing reports. His sharp eyes scanned each page, his mind absorbing the information.
"Sir, I have the information you requested," Jenkins announced, entering the room with a slim folder.
Leo's gaze snapped up. "Ah, excellent. Tell me everything."
Jenkins cleared his throat. "Emily Wilson, 22 years old. Orphaned at 16. Lives with her aunt, Rachel. Studies literature at Oakwood University. Works part-time at Bookworm bookstore."
Leo's eyes narrowed. "What about her friends?"
"Closest friend is Sarah Lee. They've known each other since high school," Jenkins replied.
Leo's thoughts swirled. Emily's resilience impressed him. He liked that.
"Sir, there's more," Jenkins continued. "Emily has a rare birthmark on her left shoulder – a crescent moon shape."
Leo's eyes locked onto the report. The prophecy echoed in his mind.
"Get me everything on her family, especially her parents' accident," Leo instructed.
Jenkins nodded. "Already on it, sir."
As Jenkins left, Leo leaned back, steepling his fingers. Emily was more than just a prophecy fulfillment; she was a fascinating, complex individual.
"Bring her to me," Leo whispered to himself.
His eyes drifted to the city skyline, his thoughts consumed by the encounter With Emily.