Out of habit, Lucy scrutinized the man in front of her. He did not seem like a person with malicious intentions, but she still observed him with caution.

Linus seemed to have sensed Lucy's thoughts and smiled at her. "I'm sorry for startling you. I noticed the tide was rising and you were still down there alone, so I called out to you. I'm not the kind of person you're worried about." Being so easily read made Lucy blush.

"I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to..."

Lucy had read the news. There were numerous reports of human trafficking and other disturbing incidents lately, making it difficult for her not to be suspicious of the man before her.

"It's okay. It's good to be cautious when you're out alone... Which hotel are you staying at? How about I help you call a cab to take you there?"

Lucy was flattered by this stranger's kindness, and she knew he meant well. However, she immediately waved her hands in refusal. "No, no thank you! I can call for a cab myself. I don't want to trouble you!"

Linus did not insist further. He placed Lucy's sketchpad beside her and told her politely to stay safe before disappearing from her sight.

Lucy silently appreciated the stranger's concern.

At that moment, Matthew called.

"Matt, are you home?"

you not back

hint of urgency, but upon hearing Lucy's

time while painting, and there aren't cabs to take me home anymore. It looks like I'll

Matthew heard that Lucy was planning to stay at a hotel,

long day at

been

Lng forward to

at home...

missed her a

Find a nearby coffee shop and wait for me there. I'll be there

so even if Lucy insisted that he

Matthew, Lucy

for you at the

"Okay."

hanging up, Lucy arrived at the café with her

her

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