The Heart System Chapter 565

After clearing my throat softly, I moved towards the right side of the shop, feigning interest in the merchandise. My eyes landed on several rows of plush, pink handcuffs displayed neatly on hooks. I picked one up, examining it in my hand while keeping my ears attuned to their conversation.

"Oh my goodness," the woman exclaimed with a playful nudge to her companion. "Doesn’t your husband get upset about you working here, dear?"

Layla responded with a small, somewhat forced chuckle. "Oh... I, uh... h-he doesn't."

A slight frown creased my brow.

Who would even ask such a thing? Especially in a place like this. Some people truly lack any sense of personal boundaries. Standing there, browsing for adult toys, and then deciding to pry into someone’s private life as if it were casual chit-chat.

Layla, however, regained her composure swiftly. She proceeded to detail the product features, highlighting specific aspects and maintaining a steady tone. As she shifted her position slightly, her gaze fell upon me near the handcuffs. Her eyes widened momentarily, a flicker of recognition crossing her face, but she quickly masked it and continued as if nothing had occurred.

The couple meandered closer to my location. The woman picked up one of the fluffy restraints and looked it over. "Do you have a plain one?" she inquired. "Without all this... embellishment."

"Unfortunately, we don't," Layla answered. "However, if you prefer the metal, you could always use scissors to remove the fabric."

The woman made a thoughtful sound, then turned to her partner. "What do you think, honey? Think it would suit you?"

"I like pink," the man replied, offering a small, almost bashful smile. "Let's get it."

"Wonderful," Layla said, already heading towards the cashier's counter. "I’ll process that for you."

They followed her, and I casually returned the handcuffs to their spot, pausing briefly before drifting towards the counter myself, maintaining a reasonable distance.

Layla worked efficiently through the transaction. She scanned the item, stated the price, and placed it in a bag without any unnecessary conversation. The woman paid promptly, appearing content with her purchase. A soft whirring sound accompanied the printing of a receipt, which Layla then handed over along with the bag.

"Have a pleasant day," she said.

"You too," the woman answered, already turning towards the exit.

The bell above the door chimed once more as they departed, their voices gradually fading as they stepped outside.

A quiet settled over the shop.

I waited a moment, ensuring they were truly gone, and then approached the counter. Layla had already settled onto the stool behind it, gently resting a hand on her stomach as she let out a slow breath.

"You’ve returned," she said, looking up at me. "I hope it’s for a valid reason."

"You appear unwell," I stated directly. "Lack of sleep?"

"I... did sleep," she replied, though her hesitant tone betrayed her.

"Right, of course."

My gaze swept over the shop as I began to walk slowly, hands in my pockets. The shelves were meticulously organized, everything in its designated place, yet the overall ambiance felt… disturbed. Quiet in a way that offered no comfort.

"Are there any security cameras here?" I inquired, stopping my movement and indicating one mounted in the corner. "Like that one. Would it be possible to review the recordings?"

"All data is deleted after two days," she informed me. "Even if there were something significant, it's likely no longer available."

"Seriously..." I murmured, running a hand through my hair. "That was the primary reason for my visit."

"Yes... I truly am sorry about that."

That potential lead, vanished just like that. How fortunate.

A soft curse escaped my lips as I turned back towards her. "If you happen to hear anything about Jack, anything at all, please inform me—"

Her eyes abruptly fluttered. Then they rolled back. Before I could even finish my statement, her body began to lurch forward.

"Hey—"

She slipped from the stool, her head angling directly towards the sharp edge of the counter.

My instincts took over. Without conscious thought, I activated the system and expended the necessary credits.

Time ground to a halt.

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Evan Marlowe [Level 21]

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EXP: 3175 / 31500

[██░░░░░░░]

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Current Credits: 5262

Current SC: 0

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Everything remained suspended in motion. Layla hung in mid-air, mere inches from impact with the counter.

I moved swiftly, catching her and gently assisting her back to an upright position. She felt disturbingly lifeless in my grasp as I carefully readjusted her, ensuring she was seated properly on the stool once more. In doing so, something transferred to my fingers.

I frowned and pulled my hand back slightly, examining it.

Makeup. My gaze shifted back to her face, focusing on the area I had touched.

The cosmetic layer had shifted just enough.

And beneath it… A bruise was revealed. A dark, unsightly black eye, mostly concealed by poorly applied foundation.

"What in the world..."

My expression turned serious. After a brief hesitation, I shifted my position slightly and lifted the hem of her shirt just enough to check.

Another mark. Unbelievable.

A fresh cut, shallow but recent, was visible along her back. As I slowly lowered the fabric, my jaw tightened, realizing it wasn't merely exhaustion. Someone had inflicted this wound. Was it her husband, or another?

I retreated, running a hand over my face. For a fleeting moment, the urge to intervene, to question and press for answers, surfaced. However, a cascade of other pressing matters immediately followed: Brok, Jack, Nala.

The weight of existing issues was already mounting.

I simply couldn't afford to take on another problem.

Not at this juncture.

With a silent exhale, I returned to my previous position, allowing time to resume its flow.

The world snapped back into full motion.

"Woah there," I quickly interjected. "You nearly stumbled. Are you alright?"

"I... y-yes," she managed, her eyes blinking rapidly as she regained her balance. "I don’t... have the camera equipment. Could you... please leave? I need to rest."

"Yeah. Yeah, certainly."

I took a step back, granting her the needed space. "Take care of yourself, Layla."

She offered only a slight nod, her exhaustion evident.

Turning, I walked towards the door, pushed it open, and stepped back out onto the street. The gentle chime of the bell behind me faded as the door closed.

I let out a breath, rubbing the back of my neck.

"Fuck..."

Another day.

Another impending crisis.

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