Chapter Fourty

Colin and Daphne found themselves seeking shelter in the abandoned building, their clothes clinging to their bodies, weighed down by rainwater. With no furniture in sight, they settled on the cold, hard floor, their legs crossed and pressed against each other for warmth.

Colin's voice filled the silence as he apologized once again for the unfortunate car trouble they had encountered earlier. "Daphne, I really am sorry about the car. It's been nothing but trouble lately."

Daphne offered him a gentle smile, her eyes filled with understanding and compassion. "Colin, please don't blame yourself. None of this is your fault."

He nodded, appreciative of her kind words. "Thank you, Daphne"

Daphne's voice softened as she spoke, her gaze locked on Colin's eyes. "You know, Colin, I can't thank you enough for agreeing to play along as my fake boyfriend tonight. If it wasn't for you, I would have been left at the mercy of a total stranger."

Colin chuckled, a warm and genuine sound escaping his lip