When Love is a Question Mark
Chapter 143: Surprise Encounter

Chapter 143: Surprise Encounter

Timmy blinked, his mind scrambling to make sense of what was happening. He had been caught off guard before, but this moment felt surreal. Ms. Aquila, the woman who had haunted his thoughts since he met her, was sitting right next to him. He couldn’t believe it.

For a long moment, he just stared at her, speechless. His heart raced, and he could feel his palms starting to sweat. This was the last thing he expected. The last person he expected to see here was her.

Ms. Aquila, sensing his surprise, tilted her head slightly and smiled. "I’m not sure if it’s the view that’s bothering you, or the vacation itself," she continued, her tone light and teasing. "But either way, you don’t seem too happy. If there’s something bothering you, feel free to let me know. I’ll make sure your stay here is more enjoyable."

Timmy was still in a daze, the words barely registering. All he could think about was how unreal this situation felt. This was the woman who had been on his mind constantly, the one who made his heart race with just a few words during their tour—also the woman who saved him when he was drowning.

Now, she was here, sitting next to him like they were two ordinary people having a conversation.

Timmy forced himself to respond, though his voice came out much shakier than he intended. "I... uh... everything here is perfect. It’s just... the volleyball game earlier. I guess I’m a bit tired from all that running around." He laughed nervously, trying to act casual, even though inside, he was practically jumping with joy. He couldn’t believe it. Ms. Aquila was talking to him.

She raised an eyebrow, a gentle smile playing on her lips as she observed his flustered reaction. "Tired, huh? I bet you were trying hard to keep up with all those players." Her voice was calm and gentle, but there was a playful undertone in her words.

Timmy’s mind was spinning. It was impossible for him to stay composed. "Yeah, I guess I was. I mean... I haven’t played volleyball in ages. But it was fun," he stammered, his words tumbling out in a rush. His brain couldn’t focus on anything except the fact that Ms. Aquila was right there beside him.

She chuckled softly, her gaze still warm and inviting. "I’m glad you had fun," she said, her voice steady. Then, she glanced at him, her smile widening ever so slightly. "By the way, how have you been? Timmy, right?"

Timmy’s eyes widened, his heart nearly stopping. She knew his name. She actually knew his name. For a brief moment, he thought he might faint from the shock.

He couldn’t contain his astonishment. "You... you remember my name?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Ms. Aquila’s expression softened as she nodded. "Of course, I do. You signed a liability waiver form during the tour, remember?" Her smile was calm, but there was a flicker of warmth in her eyes. "I’m not someone who forgets details."

Timmy’s mind was reeling. He remembered the form now, of course. He had filled it out the first day of the tour, but the fact that she remembered his name felt like a gift he hadn’t expected. His heart raced in a way that was almost impossible to explain.

But deep inside, Timmy was surprised by his own reaction. Why was he so affected by this? It was just a name, after all. But hearing her say it, hearing her address him personally, felt like something much more.

---

Meanwhile, Ms. Aquila sat calmly, keeping her demeanor composed despite the fact that she couldn’t help but find Timmy’s reaction endearing.

She had met many people during her career, but there was something different about Timmy. The way he seemed so caught off guard by her presence, how his nervousness was so evident, made her think of the young, innocent people she had met during her travels, people who had yet to be jaded by the world.

But she wasn’t about to show any of this. After all, she had met him while on business, and she kept herself composed in those situations.

Her playful side, the one that found charm in handsome faces, was something she reserved for strangers who had no connection to her work. She regretted meeting Timmy while she was on duty, because now, as she looked at him, she realized she liked his face, his presence, far more than she had expected.

Timmy, on the other hand, was still processing the fact that she knew his name. Her voice had been so calm, so casual, yet it sent a surge of warmth through him. His mind kept racing, thinking about what he could say next.

"Well," he stammered, trying to pull himself together, "I didn’t think... I didn’t think you’d remember." He let out a nervous laugh, his face flushing slightly. "I mean, you must meet so many people... and here I am, just a random tourist."

Ms. Aquila smiled at his reaction, her eyes softening. "You’re not just a random tourist, Timmy," she replied, her tone still warm but sincere. "Everyone I meet leaves an impression on me in some way."

Timmy’s heart skipped a beat at her words. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. She was so... so calm, so composed. He almost felt like he wasn’t even speaking to the same woman who had been so professional and business-like earlier. Now, she was here, speaking to him like he was someone worth talking to.

For a moment, neither of them said anything. Timmy stared at her, trying to steady his racing heart, while Ms. Aquila simply watched him, her expression thoughtful.

Inside, though, Ms. Aquila couldn’t help but feel a wave of regret. She had liked Timmy the moment she first saw him. There was something about his face, something about the way he carried himself, that intrigued her. But she couldn’t let herself show too much. She had met him while she was working, and she had to remain professional.