Part 16

Days passed, and it had already been three days since Gibran left for work in another city. Thania, too, was caught up in her busy schedule, juggling her office job and her part-time shift at the bakery. With all that on her plate, she barely had time to dwell on his absence.

She no longer feared coming home late at night. Things had returned to the way they were before. She finished work at the office, headed straight to the bakery until late at night, and the streets were always bustling with people. It was easy to find a ride home, though she couldn't deny that the memories of that terrifying night still lingered in the back of her mind. Every day, she silently hoped that such an incident would never happen again.

As she unlocked the door to her house, ready to step down the terrace steps, a familiar car pulled into the driveway. Her heart skipped a beat as she recognized the sleek black vehicle.

The driver's door opened, and a man in formal attire stepped out. Daniel.

Her father-in-law had come to visit. It had been a long time since she last saw him. Ever since she and Gibran moved here, she hadn't had the chance to visit him.

A warm smile spread across her lips as she stepped forward, welcoming the embrace of the older man.

"Papa, how have you been? I'm so sorry I haven't visited you since we moved." Her voice carried a hint of guilt.

"Oh, sweetheart, it's alright," Daniel said, gently patting her back. "I understand. You've been busy with work... and taking care of Gibran."

She pulled away slightly, looking up at him. "You should've told me you were coming. If I had known, I would've taken the day off."

"No need, dear. I won't stay long. I just wanted to check on you since Gibran is away on business."

Thania's chest tightened at his words. He wasn't just her father-in-law. No—he was more than that. Once, she had been nothing but a stranger to him, someone he had no reason to care for. And yet, Daniel had always treated her like his own daughter. He had trusted her, accepted her into his family, and even arranged for her to marry his son. How could she ever be anything but grateful?

"Papa, you don't have to worry about me. I'm doing just fine, and I always take care of myself."

Daniel studied her with fatherly concern. "Are you happy living here? Who else stays with you? Do you have any house staff?"

"It's just me and Gibran."

"Just the two of you?"

She nodded. "I thought I wouldn't need any help."

Daniel frowned slightly. "Why not? With a house this big, it would be easier if you had someone to help with the chores."

"I don't mind. I can handle everything on my own."

"But, dear, keeping up with such a large house by yourself must be exhausting."

"Papa, I promise I'm fine. Honestly, I enjoy having something to do on my days off. It keeps me busy."

Daniel sighed but eventually relented. "Alright, as long as you're sure. Just don't overwork yourself. And make sure you eat properly, alright?"

She smiled. "I will, Papa. Would you like to come inside?"

"No, I have to get to the office. You're heading to work too, aren't you?"

"Yes, Papa."

"Then let me drive you."

"Oh, no, you don't have to. I don't want to trouble you."

"It's no trouble at all. Let me do this for you."

Seeing no room for argument, Thania nodded and got into the car. The drive was quiet, yet comfortable. Daniel didn't speak much, but when they reached her office, he turned to her with an expression she couldn't quite decipher.

"Thania, I don't think you need to keep working here."

Her brows furrowed. "Why not?"

"You're Gibran's wife now. I'd rather you focus on taking care of him."

She sighed. "Papa, I don't want to just sit at home. I want to do something with my time."

Daniel watched her for a moment before giving a small smile. "Alright. If that's what you truly want, I won't stop you."

She felt a wave of relief. "Thank you, Papa. And thank you for driving me."

He nodded. "Take care of yourself, alright?"

She gave him a small wave as she stepped out of the car, watching until his vehicle disappeared down the street.

8:00 PM

Thania shut down her computer, grabbed her bag, and prepared to leave. As she stepped away from her desk, a colleague passing by gave her a friendly nod.

"Heading home, Thania?"

"Yeah. What about you?"

"Still finishing up some work. Almost done, though."

"Alright, I'll see you tomorrow then."

"Take care."

"You too."

As she exited the office building, she absentmindedly checked her bag to ensure she hadn't left anything behind. But before she could take another step, someone yanked her arm, pulling her into the shadows.

"Ow!" she yelped.

"Shh!"

Her eyes widened in shock. "Andre?!"

The man before her grinned mischievously, clearly amused by her terrified reaction.

She let out an exasperated sigh and smacked his shoulder. "Are you serious?! You scared me to death! I thought you were—" She paused, her voice faltering. "I thought you were... him. The guy from that night."

His expression softened. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you."

"Then why are you even here?"

"I came to see you."

She blinked. "What?"

"I wanted to make sure you were okay. That you weren't working too late. That you got home safely."

Her heart warmed at his words. "Oh... well, thanks for worrying about me."

He suddenly patted his stomach. "Thania, I'm starving."

She raised a brow. "And?"

"Let's go get something to eat. Have you had dinner yet?"

She tilted her head, pretending to think. "Hmm... fine, but you're paying."

"Deal."

With a chuckle, Andre led her toward his car. As he opened the door for her, she hesitated.

"Andre, you don't have to do that."

He glanced at her. "Do what?"

"Open the door for me. We're just friends. You don't have to treat me like this all the time."

Friends.

The word hit him harder than he expected. So that's all he was to her?

He forced a small smile. "Alright. If that's what makes you comfortable."

"Thank you, Andre."

"No problem."

As she stepped into the car, he shut the door behind her, his heart feeling a little heavier than before.