Alex followed closely behind, his presence a protective shield against the tension radiating from Nicholas.
As they reached the doorway, Nicholas's voice rang out once more.
"This isn't over," he said, his tone laced with dark promise.
Selena didn't look back. She kept walking, her focus on putting as much distance as possible between herself and the man who had turned her world upside down.
But before she stepped out the door she felt the need to say something. What was her goal, to stand up for herself... To become stronger... And even though she was rattled with fear she felt the need to say something.
To prove that he did not affect her, to prove that she was strong. "Nicholas Hawthorne... Zhiyuan... Whoever you may be... In this life and the past... I am dumping you."
Once they were outside, Selena felt the weight on her chest begin to lift. She took a deep breath, the fresh air calming her frayed nerves.
"Are you okay?" he asked quietly, his voice close to her ear.
Selena nodded, though her mind was still reeling from everything that had happened. "I... I think so," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Alex didn't press her for more. He simply tightened his hold on her slightly, a silent promise that he would protect her no matter what.
He didn't know what their conversation meant. He did not know what was between them and he knew it would not be his place to ask and that frustrated him to no extent.
It was not the time to ask her either. Selena was shivering in his arms. The once proud woman who just oozed charm and arrogance... He hated hated seeing her like this.
As the tense air of the manor faded behind them, Alex led Selena toward a horse tethered in the shade of a tall oak tree near the edge of the property. Selena stared at the animal, her mind momentarily shifting to practical concerns.
"Where did you even get this horse?" She asked, her voice still carrying the shaky remnants of her earlier fear. She tried to lighten her tone, wanting to focus on something other than Nicholas—Yu Zhiyuan—and the whirlwind of emotions he had stirred in her.
Alex smirked faintly, the edges of his lips curling into a mischievous expression that felt oddly reassuring in the aftermath of the tension. "I 'borrowed' it from the stables back at the manor," he said, his voice calm and even.
Selena blinked, caught off guard by the casualness of his reply. "Borrowed?" she repeated, arching a sceptical brow.
"Yes, borrowed," Alex said with a small shrug. "I figured no one would mind."
Selena let out a soft chuckle, the sound surprising even herself. She hadn't expected to laugh so soon after everything that had just happened, but somehow Alex had managed to draw it out of her.
"Well, I suppose that's one way to handle things," she said, shaking her head lightly.
As the two of them approached the horse, Selena's thoughts shifted to a more pressing concern. "Wait," she said, her voice laced with uncertainty. "How exactly are we going to get home? The carriage I came on is gone! The driver must have left while we were inside."
She knew the servants didn't like but to leave like this... That was very unprofessional. She sighed to herself.
Alex tilted his head, considering her question for a moment before gesturing toward the horse again. "Simple. We ride."
Selena blinked at him, her gaze flicking between him and the horse. "We? On one horse?"
He smirked again. "You sound sceptical. Don't worry, it'll work."
Selena sighed, her exasperation evident. "You're far too confident for someone who just admitted to stealing a horse."
Alex did not respond with words. Instead, he approached the horse, untying the reins and patting the animal's neck affectionately. The horse snorted softly, seemingly unfazed by the commotion of the day.
"Come on," Alex said, turning back to her. "I'll help you up."
Selena hesitated for a moment, glancing at the horse with mild apprehension. She was not familiar with riding a horse but Alex seemed very confident. She trusted him.
Sensing her hesitation, Alex softened his tone. "Selena, we need to go. I'll make sure you're safe."
His words, spoken with quiet reassurance, helped ease some of her anxiety. With a nod, she stepped closer to the horse, allowing Alex to assist her.
He placed his hands firmly around her waist, lifting her with surprising ease. Selena found herself seated on the horse before she could overthink it, her hands instinctively gripping the reins.
Once she was secure, Alex swung himself up behind her with practised grace. His presence was solid and steady, and Selena couldn't help but feel a sense of relief with him so close.
"Comfortable?" he asked, his voice near her ear.
"Not really," she muttered, adjusting her posture. "But I suppose it will do."
Alex chuckled softly, his breath warm against the back of her neck. "Don't worry. I'll make sure we get back in one piece."
Selena glanced over her shoulder, arching an eyebrow. "You say that like you've done this before."
"I have," he replied simply, taking the reins from her.
She decided not to press further. Instead, she focused on the steady rhythm of the horse's movements as they began their journey.
As they rode away from the manor, Selena couldn't help but think about the bizarre turn her day had taken. She had woken up that morning determined to sever ties with Nicholas and move forward with her life. Now, she was fleeing the scene with Alex, her mind a whirlwind of unanswered questions and conflicting emotions.
"Alex," she said after a while, her voice hesitant.
"Hmm?" he responded, his attention on the path ahead.
"Why did you come after me?"
He did not answer immediately, and she could feel the shift in his demeanour. When he finally spoke, his tone was measured.