UNLAWFUL DESIRE | GXG

Chapter 1

Tugging her face mask securely and pulling her hat lower, she picked up her order and left the café. Hiding her face from the public had become a daily routine. After her highly publicized divorce from her so-called "great husband"—she scoffed bitterly at the thought—that bastard, she thought. The relentless bombardment of questions from fans, demanding to know what happened, was exhausting. She clicked her tongue and rolled her eyes to the heavens, frustration bubbling to the surface once again.

            As she walked toward the spot where her car was parked, she let out a weary sigh. Just as she was about to cross the street—

            "Hey! Move out of the way!"

            A frantic voice rang out, pulling her attention. She turned, her eyes widening in alarm as a man on a bike hurtled toward her. Instinctively, she tried to jump aside but stumbled, falling hard onto the pavement.

            Her hat tumbled to the ground as she shut her eyes tightly. "Ouch, my butt!" she muttered under her breath, wincing as she examined her scraped palm. The raw abrasion stung. "Oh, come on!" she snapped, clicking her tongue in irritation.

            "Check over there!" someone commanded urgently. Then, a closer voice asked, "Are you alright?"

            Startled, she glanced up to see a woman standing over her, concern etched on her face.

            Hastily, she snatched her hat from the ground and jammed it back on her head. Rising to her feet, she grabbed the paper bag containing her food and quickly checked it. Relief washed over her when she saw it hadn't spilled.

            "Hey, miss," the voice called out again, more insistent this time. "I'm asking if you're alright."

            She froze momentarily, tugging her mask tighter. "Yeah," she replied curtly, avoiding eye contact.

            The woman tilted her head, studying her closely. "You look familiar. Aren't you Mia—"

            Before she could finish, Mia panicked and clamped a hand over her mouth.

            "Stop!" Mia hissed, her eyes darting around nervously.

            The woman raised an eyebrow and pulled Mia's hand away with ease. "Ah, figured it out. You're that actress and influencer," she muttered, her tone matter-of-fact.

            Mia frowned, her defenses snapping into place. "And what if I am? What's it to you?" she shot back, her voice sharp.

            The woman shrugged nonchalantly. "I'm Ashley. Detective Ashley," she said, extending her hand.

            Mia eyed the offered hand warily before sighing and shaking it. "Mia. Just Mia," she replied flatly, withdrawing her hand quickly. But before she could step back, Ashley caught her hand again.

            "Hey! What are you—"

            "You're injured," Ashley interrupted, inspecting Mia's scraped palm. "Hold on, I think I've got some antiseptic swabs." She fished through her pocket with her free hand.

            "Aha!" Ashley exclaimed triumphantly, pulling out a small packet. "Here, clean your wound. I've got bandaids too," she said, placing the items in Mia's hand with a small smile.

            Mia blinked, taken aback by the unexpected kindness. "Uh... thanks," she murmured, unsure how to respond.

            "Sorry for the scare," Ashley said, bowing slightly. "We're chasing down a pickpocket. Here's my calling card, call me if you need anything or any assistance for your wound. Gotta go—it was nice meeting you!"