On an uncrowded road lit by a row of street lights, someone''s effervescent cheers pierce through the night along with the robust roar of a speeding motorcycle thates out like a thrumpy exhaust notes of a vintage ssic.


    "<em>Woohoooo...!</em> Now, this is the life...!" eximed the vivacious rider as she rose from her seat and let her shielded face drank in the ferocious wind. ??


    "Get down, Cassidy! You''re gonna kill yourself!" bolted out her shakenpanion, pulling her hips and dragging her back down at once.


    After finishing their business in the boutique, Adrian went ahead and bought the vehicle for Cassidy, which made her squeal and bounce in great joy. He recalled how he couldn''t help but feel his face heat up for a bit the moment she shed him the brightest grin that she could muster and thanked him wholeheartedly.


    <em>"Thank you so much, bossman!"</em> was what she chirped that time like a bubbly little girl.


    That sight will surely be an unforgettable memory engraved in his mind.


    Right now, though, another one is about to be carved in his head - a spine-chilling experience this time. It just turned out that she wasn''t actually lying when she boasted about being the best motorbike rider in their town back then. She was so good at it that she made his heart drop for a number of times now.


    Like a zing butterfly in a trail, she continues to fly through the street with a carefree and yful spirit - her ck d vehicle serving as her wings.


    "Do you believe me now, bossman? I''m much more capable than what you think!" Cassidy bragged to which he only heaved a sigh.


    "Yeah... Capable of causing a road ident, that is," Adrian deadpanned while she only rolled her eyes.


    "Rx, rx~ I have been doing this since forever. Besides, there aren''t many vehicles around right now. Let''s just enjoy the cool, clean air and indulge in the lovely scenery!"


    Much to his surprise, he finds himself simply doing as she says. She happened to be right about the evening breeze and the beautifulndscape. He had passed through this ce during several asions before, but this was the first time he was able appreciate the view.


    Then again, Adrian was inside the car every time. Whether he''s the one driving or not, he never took time to do some sight-seeing or loosen up in a trip. Being the workaholic head of thepany that he is, he only thinks of every getaway he takes as a mere break and a brief moment to rest his mind.


    But now that he''s no longer inside a stuffy, luxurious vehicle, he is able to feel the revitalizingly cool wind and behold the scenery more clearly - an ordinary and simple yet brand new experience for him. Thepellingndscape of the city at night has be more apparent without the tinted car windows. He can finally smell the delightful and distinctive ocean air as well.


    It''s not like riding on a motorcycle is the one that makes the difference this time, though.


    "Perhaps, it''s because I''m with you..." Adrian mused silently to himself as he only continued staring at his wife.


    For the next minutes toe, he just quietly savors Cassidy''s cheerfulness with a gentle look on his face. All the while, he still keeps his tight grip around her waist to keep her from pulling a crazy stunt again. She just can''t help rising from her seat from time to time.


    He now thinks that she isn''t only the type who is easy to read, but she is also easy to move on from the horrors of a terrifying event - or perhaps, her emotional intelligence is just really that remarkable.


    Aside from his resolve to hold a thorough investigation on the bombing incidents - both with the ne and the car, Adrian is also nning to know more about Cassidy''s abnormal fear of lightning and thunder. But of course, he will only ask about it if she is willing and prepared to say the story behind it.


    For now, they should just really enjoy the night and escape from the grueling reality that they experienced today.


    "Hey, bossman! I can finally see the ocean!" Cassidy enthused all of the sudden, making him smile.


    "You look really excited. Is this your first time seeing one?" Adrian asked to which she nodded ecstatically.


    "Yeah, it is. I used to dream of going to the beach before, but I couldn''t afford the trip. I can''t recall if my older self already did, though."


    "Oh, she did..."


    At that, he found himself casting down his gaze out of nowhere.


    He remembers that she used to ask him out on outings before - always so eager to spend the day together with him. She would drag him around everywhere she thought he would enjoy. At times, he just went along with her whims, but it was a lot less often than when he was working even during their trips.


    He kept wasting her efforts to earn his affection every single time, and now, he''s starting to realize just how big of a loss that was.


    "Say, Cassidy..." Adrian called out of nowhere, catching her attention again.


    "What?"


    "We''ll be going home on the day after tomorrow. Want to spend two more days here?"


    At that, Cassidy can''t help but perk up slightly, looking a little tempted. She''s already admiring the night view of the ocean from this distance, after all. Of course, she is more than thrilled and ecstatic to explore more of it.


    "Well, why not?" she simply answered, earning a satisfied smirk from him.


    Soon enough, the two finally reach the party venue. It''s actually taking ce in this huge and stupendous white mansion on the top of the hill - a perfect ce to behold the picturesque vastness of the ocean.


    The celebration is presently at its full swing, and everyone there ispletely unaware of the approaching surprise that will soone crashing.