The last place she wanted to visit within the city was the waterfall. After that, she planned to return for her wedding. That morning, she woke up and saw a lot of tags.
Some people called her ungrateful, and a few still wanted to hear her side of the story. It did not take long for her to realize the situation. She scrolled through the posts, and a bitter laugh escaped her lips.
Loretta thought she would feel heartbroken, but nothing came. She felt quite calm. After thinking about the situation for some time, she put her phone away.
A reputation really meant nothing to her at this point.
She went to take her bath and ordered breakfast. There were still a few things she would have loved to do, but she lacked the money.
After eating, she stayed in her room all day. Later that evening, she decided to go out for a walk, but as soon as she stepped out of the building, someone called out to her.
"Miss Loretta."
She turned. It was Mika. He was dressed in a simple jean and shirt.
"Mika?" She was a bit surprised to run into him. "Why are you here?" she asked.
Mika looked a bit embarrassed. "Actually, I came to work, but I was done long ago… so I decided to wait…" He trailed off.
He had seen the news. Although he barely knew Loretta, he believed she was nothing like the statement described.
"Are you waiting for someone?" Loretta asked when he stopped talking.
"I saw the news and thought you might need some company," he said finally, deciding to be honest.
"Oh…" Loretta was surprised. After years of keeping to herself, she did not know how to respond to such kindness.
"Are you going out?" Mika asked, trying to ease the awkwardness. He knew his statement was a bit off after all, they had only worked together and could bearly be qualified to be called acquaintance.
"I wanted to take a walk," Loretta replied.
"Then how about I show you around?" Mika said. "Evenings in Sun City also have their beauty. I can take you to the night market. It's known for having the best and most affordable souvenirs for tourists."
Loretta raised her brows, hesitating for a moment. Then, with nothing better to do, she nodded.
The night market was alive.
Lights stretched endlessly down the narrow streets—lanterns, neon signs, strings of bulbs hanging overhead. The air buzzed with voices, laughter, and the constant hum of movement.
"Fresh fruit! Sweet and cold!"
"Handmade bracelets! Look here!"
"Try this! Best grilled meat in the city!"
Vendors called out from every direction, their voices overlapping.
Loretta looked at the scene and felt surprised. She did not expect such a busy market at such time.
People moved shoulder to shoulder—locals bargaining loudly, tourists pausing to take pictures.
"Be careful, although one could get good deals but some use the cover of the night to sell fake products," Mika warned.
Loretta nodded and took a look around once more
Colorful fabrics fluttered in the evening breeze. Trinkets shimmered under the lights. Small wooden carvings, glass ornaments, handmade jewelry.
"It's lively, right?" Mika said, glancing at her.
Loretta nodded. "Very."
They walked side by side, stopping occasionally.
Mika picked up a small carved pendant from a stall. "This one is popular," he said. "Locals believe it brings good luck."
Loretta smiled faintly but did not reach for it. She had no plans of buying anything.
They moved on.
At another stall, a woman held out a bracelet. "Miss, this one will suit you! Very beautiful!"
Loretta paused, looked at it for a second… she loved the pattern but then shook her head gently.
"No, thank you."
Mika noticed, he wanted to ask her why she was not buying it if she liked it but he chose to keep quiet.
They stopped at a food stand next. Mika bought two skewers and handed one to her.
"You should at least try something," he said.
Loretta accepted it this time. "Thank you."
They stood by the side, watching the crowd as they ate.
For a while, neither spoke.
Mika glanced at her , "how is it?" He asked.
Loretta nodded her head, "taste good," she replied. She heard that some street food could be delicious. This was the first time she was trying one and she had to admit the taste was not bad.
"You haven't bought anything," he said casually after another shot pause.
Loretta blinked slightly. "Hmm?" Loretta lowered her gaze to the skewer in her hand. "I'm just… looking."
Mika studied her quietly. Then, after a pause, he spoke again more carefully this time.
"Is it because of the news?"
Loretta stilled.
The noise of the market continued around them—loud, busy, alive—but for a moment, it felt distant.
Mika hesitated, then added, "I saw what people are saying… about your marriage."
Loretta let out a soft breath.
"Do you really have to marry him?" He asked when he saw she said nothing. He figured that perhaps with three dead wives Kevin must be some kind of pervert who killed his wives but had enough money and resources to cover it up.
"Yes, the date is se. This time I came out to enjoy this few days," Loretta said. She had no idea why she was explaining to him.
"Then, you would still be around for a while?" Mika asked.
"No," Loretta shook her head. She looked sad. Just then she noticed an open bar not far away.
"Accompany to have a few drinks," she said.
Mika looked at her and agreed. Seeing this she immediately brought out her phone and sent a message and get location to the bodyguard.
Although she had followed Mika here she was not stupid enough to get drunk with a stranger.
The two moved side by side to the open bar. Loretta immediately ordered a stronge alcohol. She heard it help lift up a person's mood. Even though she kept telling herself it was fine, she could not help feeling sad and alone sometimes.