...

"How did you…?" Natalia began, her voice filled with genuine surprise.

"How did you get these without queuing? I know this stall doesn't take any shortcuts. Even people offering hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars have been turned down just to skip the line!"

Zastan smirked, clearly enjoying the astonishment on her face. "Did my guy pay for these?" Natalia asked, her tone curious and slightly accusatory, still trying to wrap her head around it.

Zastan shook his head with a low chuckle. Leaning closer, he whispered, "I own this." He paused, letting the statement sink in before continuing. "Naturally, as the boss, I get the privilege of having these whenever I want."

Natalia blinked, stunned into silence for a moment. She glanced between Zastan and the milk tea in his hand, her mind reeling from the revelation. Zastan noticed her hesitation and nudged one of the cups toward her. "Go on, try it," he encouraged, a soft smile playing on his lips.

Natalia hesitated for a moment but then accepted the cup. She took a cautious sip, her eyes closing as the cool, creamy liquid flooded her senses. Before she knew it, she was lost in the moment, sipping and savoring the drink. The next thing she knew, her cup was empty. Natalia stared at the empty cup in disbelief, her expression filled with a mix of wonder and mild frustration.

"I didn't even get to savor the flavor properly!" Natalia complained, her voice laced with disappointment. She turned to Zastan, her eyes wide and pleading, almost like a child who had dropped her ice cream cone. She glanced back at the long queue, sighing. "Such a shame I can't get another one without waiting for hours or paying someone a ridiculous amount of money."

Zastan chuckled at her plight and gave a discreet signal to the MK2 nearby. The Biochemical nodded and swiftly made his way back to the stall. A short while later, he returned with another cup in hand. Zastan took the cup and held it out to Natalia, who brightened instantly, her eyes lighting up with delight. But just as she reached for it, Zastan pulled it back, teasingly.

"This one's not free," he said, his tone playful. Natalia pouted, her face falling. "I didn't bring any money with me!" she protested, looking at him with a mix of frustration and anticipation.

Zastan's grin widened. "Oh, I'm not asking for money," he said slyly. He pointed to his cheek, the implication clear.

Natalia's cheeks flushed a deep red, and she bit her lip, torn between embarrassment and the desire for another taste of the milk tea. With a resigned sigh, she leaned in, her face hovering close to Zastan's cheek. She gave him a quick peck, her lips brushing against his skin briefly before she pulled back, her face burning with embarrassment.

"There," she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper. "Now let go."

But Zastan shook his head, his grip on her waist tightening slightly. Natalia's face turned an even deeper shade of crimson. She glanced around nervously, her gaze darting back to the milk tea in her hand. Desperately trying to distract herself, she focused on the drink, taking a sip to hide her flustered state.

Zastan watched her, amused by her reactions, and just simply smiled.

...

With their milk teas in hand, Zastan guided Natalia toward one of the nearby seating areas. As they settled down, Zastan glanced at Natalia with a playful smile. "So, do you have time later on?" he asked, his tone light. "Lately, I haven't had much chance to go outside. It's just been the usual. Staying at the hotel, playing games, watching movies, the usual stuff. I could use a change of scenery."

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Natalia took a sip of her drink, nodding thoughtfully. "Yeah, I have some time," she said, curious about what Zastan had in mind.

Zastan leaned back in his chair, contemplating for a moment. "What should we do this early afternoon?" he muttered to himself, tapping his chin thoughtfully.

After a few moments, his eyes lit up as the idea struck him. "How about we try golfing? There's a golf course I've always wanted to check."

Natalia smiled and nodded in agreement. "That sounds nice," she said. "I've never tried golfing before."

Zastan grinned, satisfied with the plan. "Great! Let's head out, then."

As they exited the mall, Zastan's convoy was already waiting outside—a line of sleek, high-end vehicles, each with a polished sheen that spoke of their luxury. The cars had changed compared to the ones they used before, each one looking even more refined and distinct. Natalia immediately recognized the convoy; she had seen it many times while seeing Zastan off at the hotel.

They approached the car, flanked by guards on each side. Natalia felt a strange mix of emotions as she glanced around, noticing the envious stares of onlookers. For the first time, she felt a sense of vanity creeping in.

It was something she had never really desired before. It was a feeling of being special, set apart from the crowd. She knew she was just a regular person, aside from her striking looks, but this… this felt different. She was being treated like someone of significance, and it stirred something unfamiliar within her.

As they neared the car, one of the bodyguards stepped forward and opened the door. The car's door was thick, clearly reinforced and bulletproof—built for security and luxury. Natalia hesitated for a moment before stepping inside, her mind in a whirl of conflicting thoughts.

She couldn't help but recall the times when her colleagues at the hotel flaunted their luxury bags, jewelry, and other luxuries in front of her. She knew they had received these items from their unusual associations with wealthy clients, something Natalia had always turned away from. But now, as she sat in Zastan's car, surrounded by every sign of wealth, she found herself wondering.

What if? What if I also did the things they have done?

What if I, too, reached for something beyond the ordinary? she pondered.

Could I experience life on a different level, one where everyone looks up to me, admires me?

For a moment, she indulged in the thought, her gaze distant as she considered the possibilities. Natalia had always prided herself on her independence and integrity, but the allure of stepping into a world, a world where she can be above all, was hard to ignore.

She glanced at Zastan, who was busy chatting with one of his guards, completely unaware of the internal conflict she was grappling with.

Natalia made up her mind, her resolve solidifying the idea as she stared out of the car window.

As the car pulled away from the mall, Zastan glanced over at Natalia, noticing her unusually quiet demeanor. "You okay? You seem a bit… out of it," he said, genuinely concerned.

Natalia snapped out of her thoughts, forcing a smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just… thinking about stuff," she replied, brushing off the unease that lingered.

Zastan nodded, a slight smirk on his face. "You'll feel better once we get swinging. Trust me," he said confidently. They rode in comfortable silence, occasionally exchanging glances. As they neared their destination, Zastan's phone buzzed with a message from Darius.

Out of luck, I've already arranged a coach for you both. You're in for a treat today, young master. I've managed to hire last year's national champion. She's the daughter of the owner of the Eagle Heights Golf Park chain!

Zastan's eyebrows raised in surprise as he read the text. "Looks like we're getting some first-class coaching today," he remarked, showing Natalia the message. She glanced at the screen, a hint of intrigue crossing her face.

"That's unexpectedly and impressive" she exclaimed. "I'm actually a bit excited now."

Their convoy pulled up to the entrance of Eagle Heights Golf Park, the sun blazing high overhead. A biochemical guard stepped out from the lead car, heading straight to the reception area of the park. Zastan and Natalia waited inside the car, the air-conditioning providing a much-needed comfort from the heat outside.

A few minutes later, the walkie-talkie crackled with a voice. "Coach is waiting in the reception room."

The guard seated in the co-pilot seat quickly exited, opened the car door for Zastan and Natalia, and unfurled a large black umbrella to shield them from the sun's heat-rays.

As they stepped out, Natalia adjusted her sunglasses, grateful for the shade, while Zastan glanced around, taking in the lush, mowed lawns and the the golf greens in the distance. The park was buzzing with activity, and the scent of freshly cut grass filled the air.

They entered the reception area, the coolness of the interior offering a welcome break from the heat outside. Zastan's eyes roamed the room, but then they stopped.

Zastan was taken aback by the sight of a stunning girl standing near the counter, engrossed in her phone. She wore a sleek, white visor cap that partially obscured her face, but it was clear, he can tell that she was exceptionally beautiful.

...