"You're not going anywhere, Teal," he said firmly. "Your place is here, with me. And this marriage is not a pretense."
His words left me speechless. Why had he chosen me?
The car stopped suddenly, and Max stepped out. I tried to do the same, but Alexander's strong arms held me firmly in place. My short skirt made the situation even more awkward.
When Max returned to the car and started driving again, Alexander pulled me closer, pressing me against his chest.
"I've already lost someone dear to me once. Please, don't leave me, Teal," he whispered, his voice heavy with emotion.
For a moment, the air between us shifted. His arms tightened around me, and I wondered—should I give this marriage a chance?
I wanted to ask about the person he'd lost, but it was nearly midnight, and the dorms wouldn't accept me at this hour. So I stayed silent as he took me to his house.
I immediately went to take a refreshing shower and then sat down to review some of my notes.
I didn't notice when he entered the room. He was sitting on the bed, reading a book. The glasses he wore suited him, accentuating his sharp features. When he caught me staring, he smiled, his expression so warm it made my heart skip.
'Any girl would fall for you, Alex. But me… I'm different,' I thought, turning my face away. I couldn't let myself fall for him. Not while Steven was still on my mind.
"Don't worry, Teal," he said, closing his book. "I'll wait for the moment you fall in love with me. Until then, just give this marriage a chance."
He gestured to the bed, inviting me to sit beside him. My heart pounded in my ears. Could he read my thoughts, or was I just that easy to read?
Steven abandoned you, I told myself. But Alexander—whatever his hidden motives—was willing to wait for you. Maybe he could help you move on.
I sat on the edge of the bed, brushing my hair back.
"I can't promise anything," I said softly. "But I'll try."
He leaned closer, his breath warm against my neck, and reached over to turn off the bedside lamp.
As he moved back, his lips hovered near mine, teasingly close.
"Good," he whispered, a smirk playing on his lips. "I'll hold you to your word."
I wasn't sure what he meant, but I never went back on my promises. All I wanted was for him to step away before my emotions boiled over.
---
From Teal's Perspective:
"Oh, dear Teal, you look exhausted. Thank you for your amazing work. I really don't know what happened to the new hire," my manager said, smiling warmly.
I returned her smile politely, grabbed my bag, and slowly made my way out of the café. Working as a waitress wasn't my first job, but it felt just as draining as any other.
I was exhausted—physically and emotionally. I couldn't keep depending on Ayor all the time. First, he paid for my mother's hospital bills on my behalf, and then he saved me from that lunatic. I needed to grow stronger and take responsibility for myself. Some people are lucky to be born with a silver spoon in their mouth; at least they don't have to live with the constant worry of earning a living.
Just as I was about to board the bus home, I noticed a car honking repeatedly. A familiar figure stepped out—Alexander.
"What are you doing here?" I asked, pulling my hand back as he tried to grab me.
The smell of gunpowder lingered on him, and his expression was cold and unreadable. He seemed surprised at my reaction.
"Don't touch me," I said sharply, taking a step back.
He wiped a bead of sweat from his forehead, his gaze steady. Who did he think he was, showing up whenever he pleased and trying to take me away? How dare he follow and watch me? I hadn't spoken to him earlier at the café, still upset about what had happened between us.
"I told you I'm not quitting my job. And yes, it's a night shift," I said firmly. "I appreciate your concern, but I can take care of myself."
My voice broke the silence between us. By then, I'd missed the bus. I couldn't help noticing the passengers staring, some even snapping pictures of us. Who cared at this point?
"It's late," he said, stepping closer, closing the distance between us. His voice was low and steady. "We can discuss this later. Right now, tell me—how are you feeling?"
There was something strange in his dark, night-like eyes. Why did he care so much about how I felt? Damn him and his overpowering presence.
I turned my head away, avoiding his gaze. But he gently tilted my chin back toward him.
"I care about you, Teal. You're my wife, and I've already failed you once," he said, his voice softening in a way that made my heart tremble.
Why did he have to say things like that? His fingers brushed a strand of hair from my face. "If you insist on working, at least take Max with you. Please don't be stubborn. You have no idea how much danger surrounds you."
His words hung in the air. For a moment, I found myself staring at him, listening to him, despite my better judgment. Maybe it was because my mother was naturally overprotective, and he reminded me of her.
"Speaking of which, where is my mother?" I asked, ignoring everything else he said.
I noticed the tension in his posture and the way he exhaled deeply, as if he'd been holding something back for a long time. "She went back to London with a friend. When I called you earlier, I'd just seen her off at the airport. She didn't tell me much, but she looked happy with her friend, so I didn't stop her."
My jaw dropped. My mother had friends? And she'd left without completing her treatment?