City Lights Country Hearts
CHAPTER 1
Adeline clutched the straps of her old leather bag as she stepped off the train, the scent of steel and concrete filling her lungs. The city was nothing like her quiet little hometown—there were too many people, too much noise, and buildings so tall they swallowed the sky. But she had come here for a reason. She had to find her father.
Her boots clicked against the cold tiles of the train station as she walked forward, trying to make sense of the signs and rushing crowds. She was too busy looking around to notice the figure approaching from the opposite direction—until she crashed right into her.
Adeline stumbled backward, her hat nearly falling off as she grabbed onto the stranger for balance.
The girl she had bumped into was tall, with long black hair cascading down her back like silk. She wore a sleek, dark coat that made her look effortlessly elegant. Her piercing gray eyes studied Adeline for a moment, and then she let out an exasperated sigh.
Nadia
You should watch where you’re going,
The girl said, her voice smooth but cool.
Adeline blinked up at her, momentarily stunned.
Adeline
I—I know. I didn’t mean to run into ya.
The girl arched a brow at her accent, but instead of making a snide remark, she seemed… amused?
Nadia
You’re not from around here, are you?
Adeline
Just got here, actually. I’m lookin’ for someone
Adeline
Uhhh well...My father
Adeline
He moved here a long time ago. I don’t even know if he’s still in the same place, but I had to try
For a moment, the city noise faded, and the girl simply stared at her. Then, without warning, she smirked
Nadia
You’re either brave or reckless,
Nadia
Ah, I'm Nadia and what about you cutie?
Adeline
Adeline...my name is Adeline carter
Nadia
You’re lucky you ran into me. The city isn’t always kind to lost girls.
Adeline wasn’t sure whether to feel relieved or wary, but when Nadia extended a hand, she took it. Maybe she had just met her first city friend—or maybe she had just stepped into something much bigger than she ever imagined.
CHAPTER 2
Adeline wasn’t sure why she took Nadia’s hand, but there was something about her that made her feel… steadier. Maybe it was the way Nadia carried herself—like she knew this city inside and out. Like nothing here could shake her.
Nadia
Do you even have a plan, or were you just gonna wander the city until you found him?
Adeline
I have an address… sorta
Adeline
It’s from years ago, though. Might not be right anymore.
Nadia took one glance at the address and let out a low whistle.
Nadia
This area’s not great. If he’s still there, you might not like what you find.
Adeline
I don’t care. I came all this way—I gotta try.
Nadia studied her, and for the first time, her smirk faded into something more thoughtful
Nadia
Alright, country girl. Let’s see where this takes us.
Adeline
You’re comin’ with me?
Nadia
You’d get eaten alive in a place like this. Consider me your tour guide
Adeline wasn’t sure if she liked the idea of being seen as helpless, but she had to admit—having someone like Nadia around made the city feel a little less overwhelming.
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