Night had fallen over New York City, and the lights burned bright. Every window in the towering buildings glowed as if electricity cost nothing at all. But on the streets, some lamps shone while others stayed dark, a stingy contrast that spoke volumes about the gap between capital and the people.
A fiery red Ferrari tore down the highway—powered by Lorien's… efforts!
Wanda sat in the passenger seat, gazing out the window. She cracked it open just enough for the night breeze to brush against her cheeks.
For some reason, she didn't feel like going back to the Avengers Compound. As long as they didn't head there, the car could go anywhere. Anywhere but home!
Lorien, at the wheel, could sense her mood. It reminded him a little of a rebellious girl's defiance—but the deeper issue was that she was starting to reject the Avengers altogether, along with everything that came with it.
Think about it. Here with him, she could laugh, talk, eat, drink, and relax without a care. Back at the base, it was either enduring online abuse or feeling the suffocating weight of mission deployments.
The Avengers weren't the same anymore. Once, when superheroes went into action, the people would cheer. Now…
Wanda could clearly feel the shift in their eyes—those strange, uneasy stares. It made her uncomfortable, and Lorien could feel it too. Her emotions tonight were strong, almost tangible.
He thought for a moment, then asked as he drove,
"I know a Ferris wheel in New York, about 190 meters tall. You can see the whole city from the top. It's sort of on the way—want to check it out?"
It wasn't really on the way. They'd have to take a detour. But the moment Wanda heard it, her eyes lit up. She instantly turned to him and nodded.
"Go!"
Her eagerness made Lorien smile. He gripped the wheel with both hands, twisted it sharply, and merged onto the expressway.
"Hold on."
He slammed the accelerator.
"Roarrr!"
The Ferrari's V12 engine let out a deep, guttural growl, like a lion baring its teeth. The crimson body surged forward, the sudden acceleration lifting the nose of the car slightly off the ground. Both Lorien and Wanda were slammed back into their seats—pure, undeniable pushback!
"Oh—!"
Wanda gasped, but excitement quickly replaced surprise. She stole glances at Lorien's profile, then looked ahead at the road rushing toward them.
Lorien was smiling too—but not with a gentle smile. This one carried a sharp edge and raw confidence.
...
A few minutes later, the Ferrari flew off the highway and headed toward the Ferris wheel.
Inside the car, Wanda's chest rose and fell with excitement. Even hidden beneath her loose sweatshirt, the fullness of her curves still pressed against the fabric.
"That was amazing!"
After catching her breath, Wanda looked at Lorien with a bright smile.
"That felt so good!"
Well, fair enough. European and American girls really are that direct and open. Saying something like that straight out is normal—especially in front of someone they like.
Lorien smiled and answered just as bluntly.
"That's the whole point of driving this car."
"If you weren't in the passenger seat, Wanda, I wouldn't even want to drive it."
Wanda covered her mouth in surprise, then blinked and smiled.
"I believe you, Lorien."
"Because when you came downstairs earlier, you weren't planning to drive."
"You only decided to when you saw me in trouble, didn't you?"
"I caught that!"
"That's why you're a good man!"
In Europe and the United States, "good man" isn't an insult. And coming from someone born in a small place like Sokovia, it was definitely meant as genuine praise.
Lorien nodded happily.
"You're absolutely right, Wanda!"
"I, Lorien Su, accept your compliment in full!"
Hearing his shameless reply, Wanda burst out laughing, shaking so hard she could barely sit still.
As the Ferrari rolled into the main street, Lorien had to ease off the speed. Pedestrians began staring at the car again.
Wanda knew the windows were one-way—only they could see out—so she leaned against the glass to take in the street view.
Just then—
"Ahhh!!!"
"Monsters! So many rats!"
"Help me!!!"
In an instant, Wanda turned to meet Lorien's gaze.
"Something's happened," Lorien said firmly.
Wanda's hand tightened on the armrest. She was an Avenger—a superhero. People needed her. But usually, she acted in a team of at least two or three. Now, it was just her.
A flicker of hesitation crossed her mind. What if she went alone… made a mistake… and made things worse? Would the backlash force her into early retirement?
Lorien, sensing her unease, kept one hand on the wheel while taking her hand with the other.
"Don't worry. I'll go with you."
Her eyes widened.
"Lorien, you're just a normal person!"
"It's fine." Lorien pulled over, stepped out, opened her door, and extended his hand in invitation.
"You need positive voices from society to help you heal."
"Only positive influence can make life better."
"I'm your psychologist. It's my responsibility to help you out of this."
"Trust me."
"I trust you too!"
...
(70 Chapters Ahead)
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