The mall was bustling with its usual weekend chaos—bright lights, echoing chatter, and the distant scent of pretzels wafting through the air. You adjusted Artem in your arms, his tiny fists clutching your shirt as he babbled happily at the passing crowds. Beside you, Adrian held Selene’s hand, his expression the picture of calm—until it wasn’t.

"He’s so handsome!"

Selene’s voice, bright and dreamy, cut through the noise. You turned just in time to see her pointing at a little boy across the walkway—her classmate, if you remembered correctly. The boy was obliviously licking an ice cream cone, completely unaware of the danger now looming over him.

Adrian stiffened. Slowly, too slowly, he crouched down to Selene’s level, his grin stretching wide—the kind of smile that made you nervous, let alone a four-year-old.

"Handsome guy, eh?"

He asked, voice deceptively light.

Selene nodded, cheeks pink.

"We getting married!"

You barely had time to stifle a laugh before Adrian’s eye twitched.

"Ooooh, you’re marrying that boy?"

He cooed, saccharine-sweet.

Another eager nod from Selene.

"You’re not gonna take him! He’s so handsome!"

Adrian inhaled sharply. Then, with the serenity of a man already planning a crime, he patted Selene’s head.

"Oh, I’m not gonna take him." A pause. "God’s gonna take him, I’m gonna send him to God."

Selene gasped, tiny hands flying to her mouth.

"No, you’re not!!"

"I am." He nodded solemnly. "One-way ticket."

The boy, still blissfully ignorant, chose that moment to wave at Selene. Adrian’s smile didn’t waver.

You sighed, shifting Artem to your other hip. "Babe, no murder in the food court."

"I make no promises."