Chapter18

Marita's message tightened the knot in my chest. 'Why is she working after what happened?' I thought, tossing my phone onto the seat.

"Take me to the café," I ordered.

As the car rolled through the dim streets, I stared out the window. For some reason, being around Teal quieted my thoughts. She made me forget the chaos, even Bella. It was as if she muted the noise in my head.

We reached a crossroads, only to find several cars blocking our path. Max's face went pale. "Sir, it's Uncle Edward."

Edward Epix stepped out of his armored car, his sharp suit and -made shoes glinting in the streetlights. His precustomsence was suffocating, the air around him heavy with danger.

I sighed, slipping my gun into my back pocket before stepping out of the car.

"Alexander," Edward said, his voice smooth yet laced with menace. "Have you forgotten who you're dealing with? No one denies me."

A gunshot whizzed past my cheek, close enough to feel the heat of it. My pulse quickened, but I didn't flinch. Edward thrived on intimidation. Nearby, two women screamed and tried to run, but bullets from his bodyguard's gun struck them down.

The bodyguard—a woman with a snake tattoo curling down her back—leaned into Edward, who kissed her with an unsettling ease.

"You're lucky, Alexander," Edward said, his gaze cold. "You've always amused me. But don't think this is over. We have unfinished business."

Another gunshot rang out, this time fired into the air as a warning. Edward's smirk lingered as he turned back to his car, leaving me standing there with my fists clenched and my mind racing.

'I just want to check on Teal,' I thought, glancing at my watch. 'Nothing else matters tonight.'

... 

From Teal's Perspective:

"Oh, dear Teal, you look exhausted. Thank you for your amazing work. I really don't know what happened to the new hire," my manager said, smiling warmly.

I returned her smile politely, grabbed my bag, and slowly made my way out of the café. Working as a waitress wasn't my first job, but it felt just as draining as any other.

I was exhausted—physically and emotionally. I couldn't keep depending on Ayor all the time. First, he paid for my mother's hospital bills on my behalf, and then he saved me from that lunatic. I needed to grow stronger and take responsibility for myself. Some people are lucky to be born with a silver spoon in their mouth; at least they don't have to live with the constant worry of earning a living.

Just as I was about to board the bus home, I noticed a car honking repeatedly. A familiar figure stepped out—Alexander.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, pulling my hand back as he tried to grab me.

The smell of gunpowder lingered on him, and his expression was cold and unreadable. He seemed surprised at my reaction.

"Don't touch me," I said sharply, taking a step back.

He wiped a bead of sweat from his forehead, his gaze steady. Who did he think he was, showing up whenever he pleased and trying to take me away? How dare he follow and watch me? I hadn't spoken to him earlier at the café, still upset about what had happened between us.

"I told you I'm not quitting my job. And yes, it's a night shift," I said firmly. "I appreciate your concern, but I can take care of myself."

My voice broke the silence between us. By then, I'd missed the bus. I couldn't help noticing the passengers staring, some even snapping pictures of us. Who cared at this point?

"It's late," he said, stepping closer, closing the distance between us. His voice was low and steady. "We can discuss this later. Right now, tell me—how are you feeling?"

There was something strange in his dark, night-like eyes. Why did he care so much about how I felt? Damn him and his overpowering presence.

I turned my head away, avoiding his gaze. But he gently tilted my chin back toward him.

"I care about you, Teal. You're my wife, and I've already failed you once," he said, his voice softening in a way that made my heart tremble.

Why did he have to say things like that? His fingers brushed a strand of hair from my face. "If you insist on working, at least take Max with you. Please don't be stubborn. You have no idea how much danger surrounds you."

His words hung in the air. For a moment, I found myself staring at him, listening to him, despite my better judgment. Maybe it was because my mother was naturally overprotective, and he reminded me of her.

"Speaking of which, where is my mother?" I asked, ignoring everything else he said.

I noticed the tension in his posture and the way he exhaled deeply, as if he'd been holding something back for a long time. "She went back to London with a friend. When I called you earlier, I'd just seen her off at the airport. She didn't tell me much, but she looked happy with her friend, so I didn't stop her."

My jaw dropped. My mother had friends? And she'd left without completing her treatment?

"Give me your phone," I demanded.

He handed me Max's phone after a long stare. I didn't care whose phone it was. "Mom, how could you leave without finishing your treatment? And who's this friend of yours?" I asked, my voice trembling.

I clutched my shirt tightly, glancing at Alexander, who was busy on his own phone.

"Teal, my darling," my mother's cheerful voice came through. "I just wanted to see you happy in your husband's home. Give this marriage a chance. Alexander truly cares for you."

Before I could respond, the call dropped. I handed the phone back to Max, ignoring Alexander's burning gaze.

"Teal, get in the car," he said coldly.

Without thinking, my feet moved toward the car. He slammed the door shut before getting in on the other side.

"Take me back to the dorms. I don't want to go to your house. There's no need to keep up appearances now that my mother's gone," I said, staring out the window.

He didn't answer. Instead, with one swift motion, he pulled me onto his lap.

"Have you lost your mind?" I yelled, struggling against his grip.