Her features were striking, just like in the sketch he had made after that vivid dream. She was real. Slow down, Henry said, leaning forward, his eyes fixed on the woman. The driver obeyed, and Henry's gaze stayed on her until they had passed by. His personal assistant, noticing his curiosity, asked," Is there something wrong, Mr. Henry? No, Henry said, pausing for a moment, reconsidering his answer. "Actually," he continued, glancing back toward the bookshop they had just passed, "there's something about that place." His personal assistant raised an eyebrow but said nothing, waiting for more.
I've seen that woman before," Henry muttered, almost to himself. "In a dream." The personal assistant looked puzzled but didn't press the matter. Henry sat back in his seat, staring out the window with a determined expression on his face. He couldn't shake the feeling that meeting the woman at the bookshop was no coincidence. As they arrived at the office, his mind wasn't fully on his work. He pulled out the sketch he had made of the woman, her face now even clearer in his memory. His personal assistant, seeing the sketch, finally recognized her. That's the young lady who works at Calvary Bookshop, isn't it? The personal assistant asked. Henry nodded. "I think I need to pay that bookshop a visit.
Henry was grappling with his own emotions. After spotting Tamara earlier, he couldn't shake the feeling that she was somehow tied to his past. He needed to see her again, to understand the connection that lingered in his mind. After finishing his work, he decided to head to the Calvary Bookshop, determined to uncover the truth behind the sketch he had drawn. As he arrived, he felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness. He pushed open the door, and the bell chimed softly overhead. The familiar scent of books and coffee wrapped around him, but his eyes were drawn immediately to Tamara, who was busy organizing a shelf.
Henry stepped into the quiet Cavalry Bookshop, a familiar scent of aged paper and leather filling the air. He noticed Tamara arranging books on a shelf, her brows slightly furrowed in concentration. He approached, pretending to search for a specific title. When she turned around, her expression shifted from surprise to a welcoming smile. Hi! It's good to see you again, Mr Henry, she greeted, her voice warm. Good morning! Are you looking for a particular book? Maybe I can help you with it, she added, her eyes sparkling with kindness. Henry was momentarily taken aback. He had been anxious she might notice something amiss about him, but it seemed she didn't. To her, he was just another customer."Yes, I'm looking for a book titled 'Readers Are Leaders,'" he said, gauging her reaction. Tamara's face fell slightly. Am very sorry Mr,
I don't think we have that book, she replied, glancing over the shelves. But maybe we can make a purchase next time. Thank you, he said, hiding his disappointment as he turned to leave. Once outside, his personal assistant, who had been waiting by the car, asked, "How did it go, sir? Henry struggled to find the words. "It didn't go as planned," he admitted, signaling for the driver to start the engine. A few days later, determined to try again, Henry returned to the bookshop. This time, he asked the elderly woman behind the counter about Tamara. Describing her, he asked, Have you seen her? Oh, Tamara? She won't be in today. She's at the hospital; her mother is in critical condition, the woman replied, concern etched on her face. Worry washed over Henry. "Do you know the hospital's address? The woman nodded, scrolling through her phone before handing him the information. Henry quickly copied it down and thanked her before rushing out with his personal assistant. Arriving at the hospital, he felt a knot tighten in his stomach as he pictured Tamara's distress. Inside, he spotted her, her face pale and worried as she spoke to a nurse. Just then, a doctor passed by, and Tamara hurried to him. "I've made it clear to you, find the money—twenty thousand dollars for the surgery, and then we can proceed," the doctor said curtly before walking away. Henry sensed the urgency in the situation and approached the doctor. "What's going on?" he asked. The doctor explained the dire need for funds for Tamara's mother's surgery. "I'll pay for it," Henry said without hesitation. "And I'll cover extra costs to ensure she gets the best care." The doctor's face lit up with relief. Thank you! I'll start the preparations right away. As the doctor rushed off, Tamara remained with her mother, her mind racing. Suddenly, a nurse entered, preparing her mother for surgery. Confused, Tamara asked, "What's happening? Someone paid for your mother's bill," the nurse replied. Tamara's heart raced. Who? Sorry, I don't know. They had just left, the nurse said, pointing to the door. Desperate to express her gratitude, Tamara rushed outside, but all she saw was a car speeding away. "Why can't I meet this person?" she whispered to herself, disheartened.Days passed, and after the surgery, her mother recovered well. When Tamara returned to work at the Cavalry Bookshop, she excitedly recounted her experience to Mrs. Sarah."Oh, a rich and handsome young man came in asking about you," Mrs. Sarah said. I gave him your hospital address. Really? Tamara felt a spark of recognition. Could it have been Mr. Henry? Just then, Henry walked into the bookshop. He approached the counter, and Tamara, busy with the books, didn't notice him at first. I made an inquiry for a certain book. Is it available now? He asked."Yes, it is," Mrs. Sarah replied, calling out to Tamara. "Tamara, please attend to the customer." When Tamara looked up and saw Henry, she felt a mix of surprise and warmth. Oh! Hello again, Mr. Henry. Let me show you the book. They walked together to the shelf where she retrieved it. "Here it is," she said, handing it to him. "Readers Are Leaders," Henry read aloud, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "You know, when you read, you gain knowledge and understanding." As they conversed, Tamara decided to ask, Can I ask you a question, Mr. Henry? Of course," he replied, looking genuinely interested."Were you the one who paid for my mom's hospital bill?" she asked, her eyes wide with curiosity. Henry smiled, nodding. Yes, I did. That was so kind of you. Thank you so much! She exclaimed, her gratitude spilling over. Henry's demeanor shifted, and he grasped her arm gently. "Tamara, I need to talk to you about something important." She paused, her heart racing at his sudden seriousness. What's going on, Mr. Henry? He took a breath, searching for the right words. I know things have been a bit chaotic for you lately, especially with your mom's health, and I want to help. But there's more to it than that. Tamara's curiosity piqued, she tilted her head, urging him to continue. "What do you mean? I've been thinking about the situation at the bookshop and how we first met," he said, his voice steady yet vulnerable. "I wanted to find a way to help you without it feeling like charity. I appreciate what you do, and I can see how hard you work. Tamara felt a warmth spread through her. "Thank you, that means a lot. But I'm just doing my job. Yes, but you deserve more than just the bare minimum," he replied, his eyes earnest. "I want to offer you an opportunity. I'm hosting an event at my sister's wedding, and I need someone genuine to stand by me, someone who can navigate through the crowd and keep me grounded. I want you to come with me. She raised an eyebrow, surprised. "You want me to be your date for a wedding? Henry chuckled softly, "Not exactly a date in the romantic sense. More like a partner to help me deal with some… complicated family dynamics." Tamara considered this. "What kind of complicated dynamics? He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "My sister's friend, Lisa, has been quite forward with me lately. I'd prefer not to encourage her advances, and having you there would send a clear message that I'm not available." Tamara frowned slightly. "You want me to play pretend to keep her off your back? Essentially, yes. But I promise it will be a fun experience. And I'll compensate you well for your time—five hundred thousand for each day." Her eyes widened at the number. That was a life-changing sum for her. "That's a lot of money.""It is," Henry said, meeting her gaze. "But it's worth it if it means I can avoid an uncomfortable situation, and you can help your family." Tamara weighed her options. The thought of being able to support her mother more comfortably made her heart race. "And you're sure it's just for the weekend? Absolutely. Just a couple of days," he reassured her. "You'll be helping me out, and I'll be there to help you if you need anything while we're there.