The sound of Michael's chair scraping against the floor as he left the pub still lingered in Lumian's ears, but he paid it no mind. His convers with Michael had given him more than he expected to receive with Michael spilling more about Angela than Lumian could have expected.
Yoga classes. The thought made Lumian smirk. He chuckled loudly, his deep voice cutting through the dull hum of the atmosphere m. "Yoga? Really? This is almost too easy."
Leaving the pub, Lumian began his calculated trek to Angela's gym. The streets were alive with the early bustle of people heading to work or their daily routines, yet he moved through them like a shadow, almost unnoticed despite his massive frame.
The gym came into view after several minutes, tucked neatly on a quieter street. Its clean glass facade reflected the sunlight, and just as Lumian's instincts told him, there she was. Angela.
She was walking toward the entrance, her gym bag slung over her shoulder. In person, she was even more stunning than in the photographs Michael had unwittingly provided. Angela's face was delicately sculpted, with high cheekbones and a small, upturned nose that gave her an air of elegance. Her warm brown eyes carried a spark of life, and her full lips curved naturally into a soft smile as she greeted a passing stranger.
Her body was just as striking. Dressed in sleek athletic wear, her toned arms and legs showed off her years of dedication to fitness. Her tight leggings outlined shapely hips and firm thighs, while her crop top revealed a taut, sculpted stomach. Her long, dark hair was tied into a high ponytail that swayed with each step.
For a moment, Lumian stood there, drinking in her image. But he wasn't one to waste time admiring from afar. He had work to do.
He quickened his pace, timing his steps carefully. Just as Angela neared the gym's entrance, Lumian "accidentally" collided with her, his shoulder brushing hers hard enough to send her stumbling backward. She yelped softly as she landed on the pavement, her gym bag slipping from her shoulder.
Lumian crouched instantly, his expression contrite. "Oh no! I'm so sorry. I wasn't looking where I was going." He extended a hand toward her. "Are you okay?"
Angela blinked, momentarily startled, but quickly composed herself. "I'm fine. It was just an accident," she said, her voice was calm and soothing.
Despite her reassurance, Lumian insisted, his hand still outstretched. "At least let me help you up. It's the least I can do."
Angela hesitated for a moment, glancing at his hand, before accepting. As he pulled her up effortlessly, she met his gaze, and for a split second, Lumian thought he saw a flicker of discomfort.
She brushed off her leggings and adjusted her bag. "Really, it's fine. No harm done."
"I still feel awful about it," Lumian said, his tone warm and sincere. "Here, let me carry your bag for you."
Angela shook her head, her smile polite but strained. "That's really not necessary."
"Please," Lumian pressed gently. "I insist. It's my way of making up for nearly bowling you over."
Angela hesitated again, her grip on the bag tightening slightly. Lumian noticed her body language—a subtle shift of her weight, the faintest twitch in her brow. She was uneasy.
But he knew how to handle this. Flashing a disarmingly bright smile, he softened his tone. "I promise, I mean no harm. Just trying to make up for my clumsiness."
The tension in Angela's posture eased almost immediately. His words, coupled with that well-practiced smile, worked like a charm. "Alright," she relented, handing over the bag. "Thank you."
Lumian took it with a slight bow of his head, inwardly laughing. 'Being good-looking really is a cheat code,' he thought. 'If I were some average Joe, she'd still be eyeing me like I'm about to mug her.'
They began walking toward the gym. Angela led the way, her pace brisk and confident, while Lumian followed just a step behind. It was enough for him to observe her movements—the natural sway of her hips, the graceful rhythm of her stride and the way her tight buttocks danced form side to side. Her toned back was exposed by the cut of her top, .
Angela broke the silence. "So, where were you rushing off to when we bumped into each other?" She asked looking back at him
Lumian chuckled softly. "Oh, I wasn't really rushing anywhere. Just a fast walker, I guess. Bad habit."
Angela glanced back at him briefly, her expression neutral. "I see."
"I was actually looking for a gym," Lumian added casually. "I heard there's a good one around here, but I couldn't seem to find it."
Angela's face lit up. "You're in luck! I'm heading to a gym right now. You can tag along if you'd like."
Lumian smiled warmly. "That's great! Maybe fate led me to bump into you after all."
Angela laughed, the sound light and genuine. "Maybe."
As they walked, Angela glanced at him again, this time more appraisingly. "You look like you work out regularly. Must've been a member somewhere before."
"You're not wrong," Lumian replied. "I'm new in town, though, so I'm still figuring out where everything is."
"That's nice," Angela said. "I've been trying to get my husband to join a gym, but he's stubborn. Doesn't work out at all, yet somehow stays in shape. It's annoying, really."
"Husband? You're married?". Hearing the word 'husband,' Lumian feigned surprise.
Angela nodded, her smile brightening. "Yes, we just got married recently. I'd show you my ring, but…" She shrugged. "My husband got the wrong size, so it's being resized."
Lumian tilted his head, his expression curious. "That's a shame."
Angela chuckled. "I know, right? Getting the size wrong is such a rookie mistake. It's funny, though."
"I wasn't talking about the ring," Lumian said, his tone light but his words carrying a subtle weight. "I meant it's a shame you're married."
Angela's laughter came easily. "Too late for you, I'm afraid."
Lumian chuckled along, masking the calculated intent behind his words. As they reached the gym's entrance, Angela held the door open for him.
"Well, here we are," she said, her voice cheerful.
"Thank you," Lumian replied, stepping inside. His gaze swept the gym's interior, already mapping out his next move, looking for the nearest escape and the best item to use as a weapon should anything happen. It was an habit that he developed after years of misdeeds
Angela turned to him, her smile warm and inviting. "Welcome to your new gym, I guess."
Lumian smiled back, his mind already raced ahead with excitement at the thought of what he was about to do to Angela and Michael . 'Fate, huh? Let's see how far I can take that idea.'