Time seemed to stand still.

Paityn quietly gazed at Jamie, watching as the raindrops fell one by one onto the black umbrella he held. Each droplet made a faint, tearing sound against the fabric. It sounded soft yet haunting.

The rainwater appeared to drift toward her face, pooling at the corners of her eyes. Why else would her skin feel so cold?

Jamie reached out and gently wiped away Paityn's tears. His voice was tender and laced with a compassion that sent shivers through her. “You're abandoned, you poor thing.”

For reasons Paityn couldn't comprehend, Jamie's words caused a tremor to ripple through her, igniting a feeling of unease in her chest. She wanted to turn away and escape the intensity of his gaze. However, he cupped her face in his hand, enveloping her entirely.

The world around them faded, leaving just the two of them under the dim light of the streetlamps as they were surrounded by the rhythm of falling rain.

Paityn had nowhere to run. So, she could only retort