FLASHBACK (9 HOURS AGO)
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Shania's voice was barely above a whisper as she spoke, her eyes fixed on the dark store ahead. "Directly across from that dark storefront," she said, her hands fidgeting with the hem of her skirt.
Benjamin nodded curtly, his eyes fixed on the road, his jaw clenched in concentration. He swerved the car to the side, parking it with precision near the pedestrian alley.
The car's engine died, and the only sound was the ticking of the cooling engine.
Benjamin turned to face her, his gaze piercing through her very soul.
Shania's face was a picture of innocence, her nerdy features accentuated by her blushing cheeks.
"Pshaw! What's the point, turning beet red now? I've already gotten to know you inside and out, knock it off!" he scoffed, his eyes filled with disdain as his hands gripped the wheel tightly.
