Chapter 28

From Teal's Perspective:

It's nine PM. I had previously sent some messages to Alexander to inform him that I had finished my research in that massive library.

I never believed I would visit it, but this is the first time he has not responded to my messages. I started pacing back and forth in front of the library; I don't know why I am so anxious and worried. The fact that his uncle is a big mafia man or that he may be part of the dark mafia world bothers me.

Or maybe he is now enjoying his time with one of the wealthy beauties. What would he do with a study-obsessed person like me? 'Be optimistic, Teal, you've never seen him with any girl before; he even seems cold in his dealings with women.'I thought as I swallowed hard. I need to go home and change my clothes to head to the café.

Today is my work shift, and I will work extra hours to prepare for the cultural event that will take place in a few weeks."What do I see? Were you waiting for me, Princess?"Samuel's voice made the blood in my body run cold. Ugh, why does he insist on following me? I turned to him with a serious expression; I really hate this kind of young man who has no dignity.

"Stay away from me and stop stalking me,"I said after stepping closer to him and grabbing the collar of his shirt to pull him closer so that he was at eye level with me. The height difference between us was more than twenty centimeters, and he wrapped his arms around my waist. His touches, for some reason, felt like thorns on every inch of my body.Since the first time I failed to protect myself from Lyson, I vowed to become stronger. I was lazy; I hadn't found the time to go to a self-defense club, but I hid a pepper spray and a stun gun in my bag. What I want now is to keep him occupied until I can get the upper hand without him noticing.I deliberately kept my sharp gaze on him, "My plan to disrupt my arranged marriage isn't over yet, so I will use you, Tiel, one last time, and then you can be as angry as you want,"While he spoke, I found my hand free to open my bag's pocket.

I had gripped the stun gun; I just needed to pull it out and put an end to this farce he was talking about. I am not a puppet for him to make me part of his ridiculous play; I have a life I care about, and I have no time for games.As if he could read my thoughts, he tightened his grip on the hand holding the stun gun while pulling my waist with his other hand.

I could not withstand the amount of pressure he was applying on my fingers until I released the stun gun. Has this man gone mad? Why is no one intervening to stop him? It's still early, and there are some passersby around.I raised my eyes to them only to find that most of them were journalists, as if they were waiting for a more exciting moment. Before my body could react to everything happening, he slowly turned my face to the other side, coinciding with the stun gun falling to the ground.

It seemed to the cameras and everyone present that we had kissed. Strands of my hair obscured his features.My blood was boiling; things had reached a breaking point. I broke free and pushed him away with force. I don't know where this strength came from, but enough is enough. Samuel exploded into laughter; he didn't care about me but turned to the photographers and said in a cold voice, "Did you capture everything? Will it be an exciting kiss scene? Note that my father must be convinced; otherwise, doom will be upon you,"His tone was stone-like, and the journalist trembled under his gaze, turning both of his cheeks red.

The loud slaps reflected for everyone watching in silence, none daring to help. I know that Ivor will not always be by my side; I realize that Alexander will do many things for me. But… there are moments I must settle on my own."Delete those damn photos and get out of my face,"My voice had become sharp and loud, resembling a scream.

The veins in my neck were all visible. I still remember my first kiss with Stephen when we were in our first year of high school. I don't want anyone to replace him and erase those memories, even if Stephen and I will never be together again.He gestured for the photographers and journalists to leave as if I were just a voiceless servant.

"Ha! And you think you're in a position to speak? If the world knows you are Alexander Apex's wife, it will be the end for your mother and dear friend, even for your father, John Evick,"Every word Samuel said did not affect me as much as when he mentioned my father's name. "Ha! Do you know my father? You're joking; I won't worry about the dead.

My father is dead; do you understand? You will not threaten me with this nonsense,"I took a deep breath, trying to calm my heart, which hadn't stopped racing after hearing Samuel's comment. For ten years, I had been living under the belief that my father had passed away. Is he alive? Damn, this is a fantasy.

"I will consider these two hands the price of the end of my performance, and I will not retaliate."He said as he began to leave in front of me; no, he can't leave after what he just said. I grabbed his arm, and he looked at me from the corner of his eye and said, "Your father is alive, Teal. There is someone older than him that you should be afraid of."I swallowed hard, my mind in a continuous spiral.