It was as if all the tears I'd been holding back for so long were finally being released.

Eventually, I ran out of tears and my consciousness started to return.

I realized that the man before me was not Conrad.

I was just alone on this flight to Hord City, narrowly avoiding disaster.

...

"Here, take this."

The man handed me a tissue, and I wiped away my tears.

As my vision cleared, I noticed his once immaculate clothes were now wrinkled and damp from my tears and fear-induced grip marks.

I could even see faint outlines of his chest muscles beneath the soaked fabric.

"Sharon, get a grip on yourself!"

I silently cursed myself and looked at him apologetically.

"I'm so sorry, Sir. How much was your outfit? I'll pay for it."

He adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses and looked at me with an unreadable expression in his eyes.

I assumed his manners prevented him from quoting an outrageous amount.

"It's fine, really. Just tell me. I might not have enough cash on me. Could you leave me your bank account number? I'll transfer the money to you."

"Can I give you my number?"

"Huh?" I paused but quickly responded, "Sure."

He took my phone and typed. A new number appeared in my contacts.