XIX. A Night of Conflicting Emotions

Antonio drove me home using Uncle Luis's car, saying it was safer than a big bike. As I stepped out of the car, I noticed Canim leaning against his vehicle, parked right in front of my house.

"Why is that guy always pestering you?" Antonio asked, raising an eyebrow while helping me walk.

"I can walk by myself," I muttered, but he just shrugged. Canim greeted us with an unreadable expression.

"Where are you two coming from?" he asked.

"Why? And you? What are you doing here—"

"Stop! If you two are just going to argue, not in front of me, please," I interrupted, feeling exhausted already.

Antonio smirked. "Come on! Let's go to the park," he told Canim sarcastically.

I punched Antonio lightly in the stomach, unable to tolerate his remarks any longer.

"Kaesu..." Canim's voice softened as he looked me in the eye, silently asking for a private conversation.

I glanced at Antonio, signaling him to leave. He hesitated at first, but after receiving my glare, he scratched the back of his neck and relented. Before getting into the car, he mouthed, Take care. I gave him a quick smile in response.

I invited Canim inside, offering him the sofa while I took the chair opposite him.

"So, tell me. What brings you here?" I asked.

"Why were you with him?" he shot back, his brows furrowed.

"I asked first," I countered.

I tied my hair absentmindedly, annoyed by the wind and my laziness to close the windows. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Canim staring intently at me.

"Are you planning to throw my tie away again, like last time?" he asked, his voice laced with something unspoken.

His gaze locked onto mine, and for a moment, I swore I saw pain flicker in his eyes. He then closed them briefly before replying, "No, not that."

I cleared my throat and continued tying my hair.

"You look just like her," he murmured, barely above a whisper, making my hands freeze.

"Who?" I asked.

The air between us grew heavy, charged with tension. Instead of answering, he just stared at me, his gaze unwavering, piercing through my defenses. He didn't even blink, the silence between us thick and suffocating. Slowly, he inched closer, his presence overwhelming. My heart pounded wildly as I felt his breath ghost over my skin. I closed my eyes, anticipating his lips to touch mine—

But then, a deep groan broke through the moment.

When I opened my eyes, he was already shaking his head, frustration evident in his expression.

"What's wrong?" I asked, confused by his sudden change.

"SHUT UP!" he snapped, his voice cutting through the air like a blade.

I took a step back, my once-fluttering heart now replaced with fear.

"Why were you with Antonio again?" he demanded, his voice sharp and accusing.

I hurriedly explained—how I had been kidnapped, how Antonio had come to my rescue.

In an instant, his anger melted into concern. His hand reached for mine, but I recoiled, trembling. The rage I had just witnessed still lingered in my mind. Who was I really dealing with?

"Kaesu, I didn't mean to yell at you, but Nadia—"

"Here we go again with Nadia," I cut him off, my patience running thin.

"Wait, don't tell me that Nadia—"

"I don't know!" I cried out, panic rising in my chest. "But who else would go to such lengths?"

He closed his eyes, sighing deeply before reopening them.

"I'm sorry."

Time seemed to freeze. His words rang in my head like an echo. He's sorry. I should be relieved, shouldn't I? Then why does it hurt so much? He promised to protect me, yet he kept failing. And I—foolish as I am—kept falling for it. Over and over again.

"Leave," I whispered.

His eyes widened slightly. "Kaesu—"

"I said, leave!"

He hesitated before exhaling heavily. "I'll wire the money to you tomorrow morning. Please be safe."

He stepped forward, but I backed away once more. Ignoring my resistance, he grabbed my hands, halting me in place.

I hated how weak I was, how his touch alone made me freeze, how my body obeyed him against my will.

He leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to my forehead before finally leaving. And there I stood, questioning if it had all been real or just another illusion.

I hadn't realized how late it was until exhaustion hit me all at once. My body and mind felt drained. I collapsed onto my bed, my vision blurring.

A warm wetness slipped down my cheeks. I sobbed silently, the weight of the night crushing down on me.

Too much.

Too many emotions.

Too many events.

Too much of everything.