Until Forever Ink Fades

          Ana's unease grew as the man invaded her personal space, his proximity making her skin crawl. She frowned and took a few steps back, but the man mirrored her movement, his eyes fixed on her with an unnerving intensity.

Ana's frown deepened as she turned to face the man. "Excuse me, sir, but you're standing too close. Please give me some space."

The man's smile sent a shiver down Ana's spine. "I'm just being friendly," he said, his voice dripping with insincerity. "You should feel grateful someone is keeping you company."

Ana's eyes narrowed. "I'd feel even more grateful if you took a step back. Otherwise, I'll have no choice but to call the police and have you arrested for harassment."

    The man's smile faltered for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure. "Oh, no need for that," he said, holding up his hands in a mock gesture of surrender. "I'll give you all the space you need."

But instead of stepping back, the man took a step closer, his eyes glinting with a menacing light. Ana was visibly unhappy with the man's action.

       "I dare you to take one more step." Ana said looking dead serious. 

    The man, fueled by his own arrogance, took another step closer, his face twisted into a sneer. Ana's eyes flashed with anger, and with lightning-quick reflexes, she slapped the man across the face, the sound echoing through the air.

The man's eyes widened in shock and rage, and he raised his hand to retaliate. But before he could strike, a hand clamped down on his wrist, twisting it in a vicious grip.

Ethan's voice was low and deadly as he growled, "I don't think so."

The man's face contorted in pain as Ethan's grip tightened, his eyes darting wildly between Ana and Ethan. Ana stood tall, her chest heaving with anger, her eyes blazing with a fierce intensity.

Ethan's eyes never left the man's face as he warned, "You're lucky I'm feeling generous. If you ever come near my wife again, you'll regret it. Do I make myself clear?"

The man nodded frantically, his eyes wide with fear, as Ethan released his wrist. With a final glance at Ana, the man turned and fled, disappearing into the crowd.

Ana let out a deep breath, her anger slowly dissipating replaced with a little fear , just now she had been ignorant, what-if Ethan hadn't showed up, she may have been beaten up into a beautiful pulp, she turned to Ethan who seem to be her saviour at critical moments,she was grateful he had arrived just in time twice for her. 

    Ethan's eyes narrowed, his gaze still fixed on the spot where the man had disappeared. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice low and concerned.

Ana nodded, still feeling a little shaken. "Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks to you."

Ethan turned to her, his eyes scanning her face. "You're welcome," he said, his voice softening.

    He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close, Ana was taken aback by the sudden display of affection. She didn't hug him back, instead letting him hold her for a moment before he eventually let her go.

As they stood there, a sleek black car pulled up to the curb, and the driver got out to open the door for them. Ethan gestured for Ana to get in, and she did, still feeling a little shaken by the earlier encounter.

As they drove away from the mall, Ana couldn't help but think about what had just happened, and inadvertently shuddered but Ethan mistook it, thinking she was chilly. 

         "Reduce the temperature." Ethan told the driver. 

   The driver nodded and adjusted the thermostat, and a warm breeze blew through the car, enveloping Ana in its comfort. She felt a little better, but her mind was still reeling from the encounter with the strange man.

Ethan seemed to sense her unease and reached out to take her hand in his. Ana didn't pull away, but she didn't exactly welcome the gesture either. She was still trying to process her emotions and figure out why Ethan's touch made her feel so... conflicted.

As they drove through the city, Ana couldn't help but steal glances at Ethan. He was staring out the window, his eyes fixed on some point in the distance. His profile was strong and chiseled, and Ana felt a flutter in her chest as she gazed at him.

She quickly looked away, feeling a little embarrassed. What was wrong with her? She was married to this man, but she still didn't know him very well. And yet, there was something about him that drew her in, something that made her feel like she was drowning in his eyes.

The car pulled up to a sleek, modern building, and the driver got out to open the door for them. Ethan gestured for Ana to precede him, and she stepped out of the car, feeling a little wobbly on her feet.

         They walked into the building, and Ana couldn't help but notice the opulent decor and the friendly greetings from the staff. Ethan nodded to the concierge as they made their way to the elevator.

As they stepped into the elevator, Ana felt a sense of relief wash over her. She was grateful to be leaving the chaos of the mall behind. 

The elevator doors closed, and Ethan turned to her, his eyes scanning her face. "You're still shaken," he said, his voice low and concerned.

Ana nodded, feeling a little vulnerable. "I guess I am," she admitted.

Ethan's eyes softened, and he reached out to brush a strand of hair out of her face. "You're safe now," he said, his voice gentle. "I won't let anything happen to you."

          Ana felt her face heatup immediately, she felt hot, she quickly looked away from Ethan, praying that the elevator reached the top floor pretty quick, so she could overcome this awkward situation.