Entangled with the prince

rongs of people going about their evening routines, Nellie Bandfiel hurried along, her blonde hair catching the last rays of daylight. Her steps were purposeful, each one a testament to

ty won over her doubts. "Excuse me, do you need a hand?" Her voice was calm, though her heart beat a little faster. The man turned towards her, his expression a mix of surprise and something akin to amusement. His eyes, a striking honey-brown, studied her for a brief moment before he replied. "Are you suggesting you can fix this?" His tone held a hint of skepticism, but also a touch of genuine interest. Nellie straightened her back, meeting his gaze squarely. "Yes, I believe I can. I'm a mechanic," she stated confidently, gesturing towards the engine with a slight tilt of her head. The man regarded her for a moment longer, his features betraying a flicker of intrigue. "Well then, by all means, impress me," he quipped, his voice laced with a challenge. Nellie didn't hesitate. Moving closer to the car, she began to assess the engine with practiced ease. Her fingers traced the edges of exposed components, her mind working swiftly to identify the issue. As she spoke, explaining her observations and pote

s he leaned against the workbench. "You've been staring at that engine for a good five minutes. Got a crush on this old clunker?" Nellie rolled her eyes, but couldn't suppress a smile. "Just lost in thought, Sam. Did you need something?" Sam's grin widened. "Just wondering if you're up for grabbing a drink after work. You seem like you could use a break." Nellie hesitated for a moment, her thoughts flickering back to the mysterious man. But then she nodded, realizing that a distraction might be exactly what she needed. "Sure, why not? Let's go." They ended up at a cozy pub not far from the garage, where the dim lighting and lively chatter created a comforting ambiance. Over drinks, Sam regaled Nellie with stories of his latest motorcycle project, while she listened with genuine interest, grateful for the camaraderie of a friend. As the evening wore on, Nellie found herself relaxing in a way she hadn't in weeks. The weight of uncertainty that had settled on her shoulders seemed to lighten, if only temporarily. She laughed at Sam's jokes, traded playful banter, and allowed herself to simply en