The Broad Man gets Arrested

As Silas landed a punch on the man, a sharp throb shot through his knuckles, a painful reminder of the force he had just unleashed. Gasps erupted from the crowd, particularly from the cooks, Levi, and Chloe, who all reacted in shock to the sudden violence.

The burly man with long black hair clutched his nose, his face contorted in agony from the break. His furious gaze locked onto Silas, the redness around his eyes betraying his rage as he bellowed, "You bastard!"

Silas's eyes widened in realization of the gravity of his actions. He felt his body tense up as the man advanced, muscles coiling like springs, his knuckles clenched tight. The resentment in the man's eyes was palpable, like a storm brewing just beneath the surface.

As the man closed the distance, he lunged forward, seizing Silas by the shoulders and forcefully shoving him across the wooden table. Silas barely had time to brace himself before he was sent crashing down, the air rushing past him and his hair whipping across his forehead. His heart raced uncontrollably as he collided with the table behind him.

The impact jolted through him, pain radiating from his lower back where he hit the edge of the table. In the chaos, bowls toppled and glass shattered, creating a cacophony that drowned out the worried shouts of Levi and Chloe.

Silas grimaced as he felt the sting of a glass shard cut into his hand, bright blood trickling down his palm. He stumbled to his knees, the pain overwhelming him. Levi rushed to his side, concern etched on his face as he grasped Silas's hand, exclaiming, "Silas—Silas—are you alright?"

Silas let out a soft groan, wincing at the pain in his hand as he shook his head. "I'm okay. Just help me up," he urged. Levi quickly grasped his arm, assisting him in rising from the cold tile floor, the ache in Silas's lower back becoming more pronounced. He stumbled a few times but managed to steady himself with Levi's support, who held him firmly by the shoulders.

Silas attempted to mask his grimace from the onlookers, but it was clear to everyone that he was in discomfort. The man who had shoved him stood frozen, his expression awkward and eyes wide, looking almost comical given his imposing size.

Suddenly, an older gentleman, likely the restaurant manager, pushed through the crowd and pointed at the broad man. "Officers, this is the individual who assaulted one of our staff members, Chloe." he declared.

The crowd parted, allowing two police officers to step into the spotlight, striding confidently toward the broad man. His eyes widened in alarm as he turned to Chloe, fury etched on his face. "You liar! You promised to be with me after breaking up with your boyfriend. Even after sleeping with me twice last week at the party, you never intended to leave that pathetic guy. You just wanted my money!" he shouted.

It took more than two officers to subdue the agitated man, who fought against their grip, struggling fiercely as they pinned him down and cuffed his wrists, dragging him out of the room. Gasps filled the air as the crowd reacted to his explosive accusations. Some exchanged shocked glances, hands covering their mouths, while others watched the unfolding drama with a predatory glint in their eyes. The atmosphere was thick with tension, broken only by the sound of heavy breathing and an almost suffocating silence.

A cook approached Silas, handing him a napkin. Silas accepted it and wrapped it around his hand, effectively staunching the bleeding. He expressed his gratitude to the man, even as pain throbbed in his hand. The cook smiled and walked away, slightly hunched over. Silas turned to Chloe, who was softly sniffling. He noticed the fear reflected in her tear-filled eyes and spoke gently, "Hey, come here. Sit with me."

Chloe settled into a chair, her hair frizzy despite being tied back in a ponytail. Silas took her hands carefully, mindful of his own discomfort. "Sweetheart, are you okay?" he asked. Her tears began to flow freely, and her lips quivered as she nodded, taking a shaky breath.

"I just want to go home," she replied, her voice trembling. Silas felt a pang of uncertainty but nodded at Levi, who frowned but stepped out to prepare the car. Silas turned back to Chloe, saying, "You're going with Levi. He'll take you home."

Chloe's brow furrowed. "Aren't you coming with me?"

Silas shook his head, weariness etched on his face. "No, he has too much stuff in the back seat. He'll drop you off first, then come back for me. Your house isn't far. Just stay close to your mom when you get home."

Chloe looked uncertain, and Silas gave her hand a reassuring tug. "You'll be safe at home. Okay?"

Just then, Levi entered the room. Silas nodded at him, their eyes meeting in understanding. Levi gently placed a hand on Chloe's shoulder as they made their way out, the door closing softly behind them.