Chapter 22

"Teal, you need to get out of there, fast. Trust me, these people are dangerous! You were just on TV!"

Ayor's voice was filled with panic.

I sighed, rubbing my forehead. The media never missed a single detail—they could be such a nuisance. I pressed the button again, trying to focus.

Before the doors could close, a man stepped into the elevator. He carried a gun. It was Edward. What did he want now?

"Excuse me, miss," he said as he rolled up his sleeve.

I was no stranger to weapons, given my mother's time in the police force before her retirement, but the dark aura surrounding Edward was unsettling. He radiated a thirst for blood.

"Tell your friend Ayor that there's no escape from me," he said coldly before exiting the elevator.

Wait—he knew Ayor? What was he planning to do to her? His strides were quick, and I tried to follow him, but before I could reach him, someone yanked me into an empty room.

The sudden movement scared me, and I spent a few moments catching my breath.

"Are you okay? Did you get hurt?" The man's voice was filled with worry as he began inspecting every inch of me. His face darkened when he saw the bandage on my arm.

"The nurse already treated it. I'm fine, really," I said quickly.

But I was growing anxious. Ayor was waiting for me, and if she got entangled with Edward, no one could save her.

Before I could voice my concerns, he pulled me into a tight embrace. His breath mingled with my rapid heartbeat, and he placed a gentle kiss along my jawline.

It felt like a bucket of cold water had been dumped over me. My body stiffened, unsure of how to react.

"Teal, I was so scared for you," he whispered.

My heart seemed to skip a beat as I inhaled deeply. His embrace was warm and comforting, but I couldn't let myself get swept away.

"Your family needs you. I'm fine, really. Go to them. I need to visit Ayor—it's urgent," I said, pulling away from his arms.

Teal, be realistic. Giving yourself another chance at love seemed impossible. Stephen had been perfect... until he abandoned you.

"If I hadn't sent Max to find Abain, you wouldn't have been in this situation," he muttered under his breath, cursing himself. His neck muscles tensed, veins prominent.

I didn't have time for this.

"I fixed my phone. I'll update you with every detail, so please, let me go," I pleaded, locking eyes with him.

His stern expression softened, and he smiled faintly before pressing a warm kiss to my hand.

"Come on, I'll take you there," he said.

Wait—didn't he insist on keeping our marriage a secret? Why would he take me?

Leaning close to my ear, he whispered, "Don't worry. No one will find out you're my wife."

His gaze lingered on my lips before moving back to my eyes. Without warning, he scooped me up like a kidnapper would.

"Hey! What are you doing? This is so embarrassing, Alex!" I protested as my hair fell across my face.

Instead of using the main exit crowded with reporters, he carried me to the rooftop. The sound of helicopter blades filled the air. My heart raced wildly.

"Don't tell me you're afraid of heights," he teased, tilting my chin up.

I avoided looking out the window. This was so unnecessary. He could've just let me take the bus.

... 

"No, it's just my first time on a helicopter and seeing the city from this height," I replied, unable to tear my gaze away from the breathtaking view. The glittering lights of the city beneath and the star-studded sky above combined to create a scene that felt utterly magical.

Alexander gently tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear and said, "This is the most beautiful view I've ever seen."

When I turned my gaze to meet his, I found his eyes fixed on me. "You have a dazzling smile, Teal."

A blush crept up my cheeks, and the air seemed heavier, harder to breathe. I gripped the seat tightly, trying to put some distance between us.

"Why are you going this far, Alexander?" I asked cautiously, avoiding the proximity of his lips to mine. There was barely any space between us now. As the helicopter began its descent onto the roof of Ayor's family hotel, I inadvertently leaned into his arms.

His eyes sparkled with unspoken words, as they always did. But, as if on cue, someone interrupted the moment.

"Mr. Alexander Apex, it's an honor to have you at our esteemed hotel," the manager announced, arriving with a small entourage of hotel staff to greet him.

The display of respect and deference baffled me, leaving me questioning the extent of Alexander's influence. Using the distraction to my advantage, I slipped away, opting for the stairs since the elevators were full.

Each step down felt endless as my mind replayed the moments I'd spent close to Alexander. His voice, his words, his every action—it all left a lingering impression that was impossible to shake.

I shook my head sharply. Focus, Teal. Don't get distracted by this. I reminded myself of my goals: to excel in language studies, become the best translator, and return to London to work for prestigious companies. Maybe, with some luck, I'd even establish my own business one day.

Thinking about my ambitions filled me with determination and calm. I quickly sent a voice message to my mother: "Hi, Mom. How are you? It's been a while, and I just wanted to check on your health."

When I arrived at Ayor's room, the sound of furniture crashing from inside sent chills down my spine. Fear gripped me—Ayor had already told me she wasn't feeling well, warned me about staying away from Edward, and his earlier cryptic words still echoed in my mind.

"Ayor, open the door! Is everything okay?" I shouted, pounding on the door with all my strength. I couldn't bear the thought of something happening to someone I cared about. I just wanted everyone I loved to be safe.

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