Chapter 25 A Handsome Stranger Oriana even felt that his voice sounded familiar. Perhaps truly pleasant voices all share a certain similarity. "No trouble at all," Oriana said, a small curve forming at the corner of her lips. He leaned slightly forward, and Oriana easily adjusted the blanket in place. She turned to help him open the bottled water, only to see him twist off the cap himself and then extend his hand toward her. Oriana froze. He seemed to notice her confusion. "I'll open it for you." Oriana blinked in realization, a faint blush coloring her nose. "I'm not drinking water. The flight attendants will serve me a drink later." The flight attendant had probably given him the water just in case turbulence made it difficult for him to handle it. He nodded, without a hint of embarrassment, and continued the conversation naturally. "Is this your first time in Jindiwood?" he asked. Oriana was surprised he'd initiated conversation. She said, "Not exactly. I went once for a summer camp in elementary school. Jindiwood has quite a few national museums; it's worth visiting." Elementary school?" Micah's thin lips twitched. "That was ten years ago. Jindiwood has changed a lot; you might find it unfamiliar." 'Yeah, but it's okay. I'll explore slowly and get used to it," Oriana replied. After all, she'd be staying in Jindiwood for at least two years. She was confident she could adapt. Though she had been a little anxious about the unknown road ahead, chatting with him in bits and pieces made the time pass quickly. He seemed unapproachable at first glance, but his personality was surprisingly warm and engaging. Two hours and forty minutes later, the plane landed smoothly at Jindiwood International Airport. After taxiing, the flight attendants helped first-class passengers disembark first. "Have a pleasant journey. Hope to see you again," one said. There were only three passengers in first class. Another passenger left first, and the man stood up. 1/3 Finished A flight attendant had intended to assist him, but noticed his hand gesture signaling her to step back. She smiled and watched him leave. Oriana's luggage had been checked in; she carried only a small bag. She noticed that the man wasn't carrying anything, just holding a white cane as he walked. She hurried to catch up. She matched his pace and noticed how tall he was. He looked slim, but he was far taller than she had expected. Instinctively, Oriana held his arm to guide him as they moved toward the exit. "Are you going alone? Is someone coming to pick you up?" He pursed his lips and said softly, "My assistant is waiting at the fast-track lane." "Perfect. I'm heading there, too. I'll take you," Oriana offered. She glanced back instinctively. "Strange. Shouldn't there be staff assigned to escort you?" They usually provided special services for children, the elderly, or those with disabilities. Before she could ponder more, her phone buzzed with a message from Kieran, showing a photo he was already waiting outside. Oriana replied, then hesitated briefly before asking how best to interact with Micah. A last-minute effort to memorize a few pointers was better than nothing. After sending the message, Oriana guided him toward the luggage pickup area. The ground staff were already stationed there. Oriana picked up her luggage and asked him, "Does your suitcase have any special markings?" He shook his head. "I have no luggage." 'Alright, then I'll guide you out," Oriana said. "Okay," he replied. As they left the baggage area, a staff member approached to check tickets and luggage. Not noticing Micah, she walked straight toward him, probably expecting him to step aside. Oriana quickly yanked him closer to her. "Careful." Unprepared, Micah's weight shifted onto Oriana. By the time he reacted, he barely regained balance. They still collided, and Oriana caught a faint whiff of coffee from him. "You okay?" they asked simultaneously. 2/3 Oriana chuckled softly. "Sorry, he almost ran into you, so I had to pull you close." Micah nodded. "I'm fine, thank you." After checking their luggage, the staff led them toward the fast-track lane. From a distance, Oriana spotted a sharply dressed man by the exit, and further off, a business car, surely Kieran. She frowned instinctively. "Looks like your ride hasn't arrived yet. Maybe you should call him?" Oriana didn't want him waiting there alone. For some reason, she felt a pang of sympathy for this stranger she was about to part with someone she had only just met. Perhaps it was because he had a good personality and was handsome. Before Micah could respond, Kieran hurried over in quick, respectful strides. "Mrs. Caldwell, hello, I'm Kieran." The formal address made Oriana pause for a moment. "Uh, hello." Seeing Kieran's smiling gaze fall on her hand guiding the man, Oriana stiffened, feeling a strange twinge of guilt. She instinctively tried to explain, "I was on the plane." Before she could finish, Kieran interrupted, his tone reassured. "Mrs. Caldwell, I'm glad to see you getting along with Mr. Caldwell so well. I can relax now." 20 መ 3/3